The ATP Tour has confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host a new Masters 1000 tournament beginning in 2028. The agreement, made with SURJ Sports Investment—part of the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF)—marks a major expansion of the ATP calendar. This will be the first time since the series was introduced in 1990 that the Masters 1000 category will include ten events.
The tournament will feature a 56-player singles draw and be played over one week. It will not be mandatory, meaning players can choose whether to participate without facing ranking penalties.
Format and calendar placement
While the exact venue and prize money are still to be announced, the event is expected to take place in February. This would align it with the existing ATP 500 tournaments in Doha and Dubai, creating a Middle Eastern swing early in the season.
ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi described the development as a significant step forward: “It’s a proud moment for the sport. Players and fans will be amazed by what’s coming,” he said.
Expanding the Masters 1000 series
The Saudi Arabian event will join an elite group of tournaments that includes Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome, Toronto/Montreal, Cincinnati, Shanghai, and Paris. It will be the first new Masters 1000 added since Shanghai joined the calendar in 2009.
These tournaments represent the highest tier of competition in men’s tennis outside the four Grand Slams and the ATP Finals. The addition of a tenth event reflects both the sport’s global growth and Saudi Arabia’s increasing investment in tennis.
Prize money expectations
Although the prize pool has not yet been disclosed, it is expected to be substantial. Saudi Arabia has already hosted high-profile events like the WTA Finals and the Six Kings Slam, both of which offered significant financial incentives. The new Masters 1000 is likely to follow suit, attracting top players with both prestige and payout.
Looking ahead
With the tournament set to debut in 2028, more details about its location, surface, and scheduling will be released in the coming months. What’s clear is that the ATP Tour is entering a new era—one that includes a broader geographic footprint and deeper financial backing from emerging markets.