American tennis legends John McEnroe and Chris Evert have voiced their opposition to Saudi Arabian investment in the sport.
Saudi Arabia has thrown vast amounts of money into sport in recent years, with football, golf and boxing all being targeted. The country’s Public Investment Fund has established footholds by buying Newcastle United and funding a major recruitment drive for the Saudi Pro League, which has seen Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema and others move to the Middle East.
Meanwhile, PIF launched the hugely controversial LIV Golf breakaway, which has since signed a merger with the PGA Tour. There have been clear indications recently that tennis could be following in a similar path, with ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi describing discussions with PIF as “positive”.
Taking Saudi money would be a huge mistake, according to Evert, who was unequivocal in her response to the possibility. “I think it’s sports washing,” said Evert. “I don’t think we need to go there.”
McEnroe described the potential investment as “comical” and explained his stance via comparison with other sports. He said: “It looked to me like the PGA were total hypocrites when they cut a deal after they’ve been fighting them, in my opinion.
“At the same time the people that are complaining about it, a lot of the people are hypocrites because our government does business with them along with tons of other hedge funds, wealth funds, down the list, people that have dealings.
“What about Ronaldo? He’s being paid a couple hundred million a year. They have been buying players in other sports, bought boxing fights, you name it.
“I’m not surprised. I wouldn’t encourage it personally, the Saudi thing. I’m not surprised that tennis is being thrown into the mix after what we saw in golf. I don’t think that’s something that we should be pursuing, per se. It’s not in my hands.”
There have been suggestions that the ATP Next Gen Finals could be held in Jeddah later this year.
World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz said he had “no doubt” he will play in Saudi Arabia, while Nick Kyrgios tweeted excitedly: “FINALLY. THEY SEE THE VALUE. WE ARE GOING TO GET PAID WHAT WE DESERVE TO GET PAID. SIGN ME UP,” alongside money bag emojis.
Andy Murray has taken a different stance, however. Speaking earlier this month after the PGA Tour merger with LIV Golf was announced, he said: "I wouldn't play [in Saudi Arabia], no. If I was one of the golfers who stuck with the PGA, I would probably be a bit frustrated and feel a bit let down.
"I guess there have been lots of different sporting events there over the last few years. There have been a lot of major boxing fights have been there, there's the golf, I think there was a Formula One race there too. I would imagine it will only be a matter of time before we see tennis tournaments played there too.”
