Carlos Alcaraz wins Wimbledon men's singles title
Wimbledon could reportedly join the three other tennis Grand Slams in an effort to create a ‘super tour’ as part of a drastic change in how the sport is run. Saudi Arabian investment may play its part, with the Gulf state rumoured to be planning to host one of the events in a revamp which could devastate the ATP and WTA.
There are currently nine Masters 1000 events on the men’s calendar including the Cincinnati Masters, Indian Wells Masters and Italian Open – all of which are run by the ATP.
However, according to the Tennis Channel, there are murmurs of the four Grand Slams – Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open and the Australian Open – banding together to buy those nine events.
The move, if it comes to fruition, would also see the creation of a 10th tournament hosted in Saudi Arabia, leaving the ATP and WTA to host their 500 events, 250 events and year-end finals.
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Throw in the four Grand Slams and tennis fans could be treated to a 14-event super tour, with some of the sport’s bosses keen to replicate an ‘F1 model’. There are still believed to be plenty of hurdles to clear before the arrangement is set in stone.
The rumours have sparked concern about the potential impact on tennis’ so-called ‘lesser events’, and those outside the world’s top-50-ranked players who compete in them.
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“Just force ATP out entirely and change what’s left to the Challenger Tour,” wrote @GaelenBet on X. “Nobody is going to watch 500 and 250.” Meanwhile, @VanH0ut3n added: “End of the sport.”
That being said, some players have welcomed possible changes which could attract new fans, or indeed make tennis more lucrative. The prospect of Saudi Arabian influence provides a case in point, with Nick Kyrgios open in sharing his excitement earlier this year.
“Finally. They see the value,” he posted on X. “We are going to get paid what we deserve to get paid. Sign me up.”
Two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur was similarly enthusiastic, saying: “I believe in Saudi they’re doing great giving women more rights. It’s time to change things. Believe it or not, we have the best two women in the Arab world right now playing in tennis. It’s now or never.”
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