The heads of the ATP and WTA, Andrea Gaudenzi and Steve Simon, respectively, are now trying to coordinate the tours and pool their resources, three years after Federer urged the two organizations to come together.
Saudi Arabia has earned the right to hold the Next Gen Championships for men under 21 until 2027, establishing tennis as the sport’s next frontier for its push into international competition. And now, in an effort to deter investment from Saudi Arabia, the ATP and WTA tennis tours are getting ready to discuss a historic merger.
BREAKING:
WTA & ATP executives will discuss a merger due to the possibility of tennis linking with Saudi Arabia.
There were will be a 2 day summit at the end of the month in London.
Roger Federer initially spoke of a merger 3 years ago.
Gaudenzi (ATP boss) & Simon (WTA)… pic.twitter.com/t7JNfOwlWo
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 3, 2023
Executives and representatives from tournaments are reportedly being asked by the men’s and women’s tours to a two-day summit in London at the end of this month. The Djokovic-led PTPA, though, is a threat. The 23-time grand slam champion created a competing player union four years ago, and it has since grown in stature.
The Telegraph claims that the circuits have taken some immediate action because of the threat of the Saudi takeover just like they did with golf. There is a chance that a portion of their financial advantages might also be dispersed if a merger actually happens.
In the early stages of a merger, integrating the tours may be challenging because they each have their own advertising partners and TV deals, as well as data rights. However, with the current stance of the tennis associations and their progress, a positive outcome may be in the works.
What do players think of the ATP and WTA hosting tennis events in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is establishing itself in the world of sports, and it is now influencing tennis in addition to soccer and golf. The brave decision to hold the ATP Next Gen Finals in Jeddah demonstrates the kingdom’s resolve to become a popular sports destination. However, some of the players found this development annoying, while others showed a lot of support.
After the successful conclusion of recent negotiations between the ATP and PIF about Saudi Arabia’s possible involvement in the sport on initiatives that include hosting competitions, infrastructure, etc. Alcaraz confidently spoke in favor of the decision when asked about the potential growth of tennis in Middle Eastern nations.
FINALLY. THEY SEE THE VALUE. WE ARE GOING TO GET PAID WHAT WE DESERVE TO GET PAID. SIGN ME UP 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰 https://t.co/sJpj9lK6Vg
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 26, 2023
Recently, Nick Kyrgios expressed his support for Saudi Arabia hosting future ATP Tournaments on Twitter. Other than, Nick, Ons Jabeur has also shown her support for the decision. Fans, though, were quick to express their displeasure and condemn both athletes for their remarks.
However, iconic players like Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova have shown discontent and disagreement with the decision. Others, like Jessica Pegula, take a more diplomatic stance on the whole situation. The third-ranked American stated she wouldn’t object if the competition moved to Saudi Arabia if it would damage women’s rights.
