Saudi Arabia will join the elite ATP Masters 1000 calendar with a new tournament scheduled to debut in 2028, marking the first expansion of the category since its creation in 1990.

The one-week event, likely to be staged in February, will feature a 56-man field and is expected to attract top players without being mandatory. ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi emphasized that players are “independent contractors” and free to choose their schedule.

The announcement highlights the growing influence of the Gulf state in professional tennis. Saudi Arabia already hosts the WTA Finals and the Next Gen ATP Finals, with the Public Investment Fund serving as the official naming partner for both the ATP and WTA rankings.

While seven of the current nine Masters events now run over 12 days, the Saudi tournament will be shorter, potentially easing concerns over player fatigue. Gaudenzi noted the importance of balancing the sport’s schedule for both athletes and fans.

“Obviously, the off-season is too short for players, but also for fans, who need breaks from our sport,” he said, acknowledging criticism from players about the congested calendar. Stars including Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Draper have voiced concerns over injury risks and career longevity.

The addition of the Saudi event will make it the 10th Masters 1000 tournament, joining Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome, Canada, Cincinnati, Shanghai, and Paris. Monte Carlo remains the only non-mandatory Masters event, and Saudi Arabia’s tournament will follow suit.

Scheduling remains under discussion. February is the most likely window, coinciding with ATP tournaments in Doha and Dubai, but it may conflict with South American clay events or European indoor competitions. Solutions include creating parallel streams to accommodate players’ choices.

Prize money is expected to meet ATP minimum requirements, currently around 6.1 million euros, with possible enhancements distributed evenly across players. Organizers have not yet confirmed the exact venue or prize details.

While there are no current plans for a WTA equivalent, executives say future collaboration could be explored. Danny Townsend, CEO of SURJ Sports Investment, noted that simultaneous or sequential men’s and women’s tournaments in Saudi Arabia would be “great” but are not feasible immediately.

The new ATP Masters 1000 in Saudi Arabia signals the nation’s growing sports investment footprint, following initiatives in football, golf, Formula 1, and boxing, despite ongoing criticism over human rights concerns.

The 2028 addition is expected to reshape the ATP calendar, offering flexibility for players while extending tennis’ presence in the Gulf region.