Jannik Sinner has expressed support for the ATP’s decision to introduce a new Masters 1000 tournament in Saudi Arabia starting in 2028. The Italian star highlighted the country’s youthful population and growing enthusiasm for tennis as promising signs for the sport’s future.
“I think it’s the first time a Masters 1000 has been added to the calendar,” Sinner said. “From my experience of that country, the population is very young and the market can become very big. I see it positively, let’s see what it can bring to us players.”
Fond memories from Saudi Arabia
Sinner’s optimism is rooted not only in the region’s potential but also in his own success there. He won both editions of the Six Kings Slam exhibition event held in Riyadh, defeating top players including Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic in high-profile matchups.
“I have good memories in Saudi Arabia. I played well there and enjoyed the atmosphere,” he said. His victories at the Six Kings Slam helped solidify his reputation as one of the most consistent performers on hard courts and showcased his ability to thrive under pressure.
Strategic addition to the calendar
The Saudi Masters 1000 will join the existing lineup of elite tournaments including Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome, Toronto/Montreal, Cincinnati, Shanghai, and Paris. It is expected to be held in February, complementing the ATP 500 events in Doha and Dubai.
Sinner emphasized the importance of the new event for rankings and player development. “A Masters is important also for the points and for those who are starting to play at that level,” he said. “I don’t know exactly when it will be played, but in general I think it’s a positive thing.”
Awaiting further details
The ATP has confirmed that the tournament will feature a 56-player singles draw and be played over one week, but the exact venue and prize money are still to be announced. The event will not be mandatory, allowing players flexibility in their schedules.
ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi described the expansion as a major milestone: “Players and fans will be amazed by what’s coming,” he said during the announcement.
As tennis continues to expand into new markets, Sinner’s experience and success in Saudi Arabia position him as one of the key figures to watch when the new Masters 1000 event debuts.
ATP Vienna - Jannik Sinner's projected path
Sinner in Vienna, ranking, and results in 2025
Currently the world no.2, the Italian owns an overall 45-6 match record in 2025. Sinner is playing at the moment in Vienna where he bested the world no.51 Daniel Altmaier 6-0 6-2 and the world no.22 Flavio Cobolli 6-2 7-6(4).
Jannik Sinner will fight against the world no.16 Alexander Bublik in the quarter on Friday at 5:30 pm on CENTER COURT. Their current head to head is 5-2 for Sinner.
Sinner clinched 3 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and Beijing. Jannik was the finalist in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia), at the French Open, in Cincinnati (Cincinnati Open) and at the U.S. Open.
The Italian won 22 titles in his career: 11 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts, 8 on indoor courts and 2 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Sinner has scheduled to play next in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters). He will start to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 27th of October.