Saudi millions lure NextGen Finals to Jeddah

The ATP has predictably followed golf by allowing Saudi money into the sport with the first coup set to unfold from November 28 when the NextGen Finals begin.

The year-end final for the bet eight players aged under 21 were long predicted to be coming to the controversial desert kingdom which is spending billions in sport to clean up its worldwide image.

The ATP is the latest sporting body to fall into line in exchange for a promised payday.

The USD 2 million event will move south into uncharted cultural territory after five years in Milan.

ATP officials were naturally delighted with head Andrea Gaudenzi called the move negotiated by an international consulting firm “our chance to inspire new fans, in a region with a vast young population, and unite audiences around tennis.”

Bill Scott

Recent Posts

Swiatek on the cusp of another record

Iga Swiatek stands one Saturday win away from completing the Madrid-Rome clay trophy double after…

10 hours ago

American Paul stuns Hubi to book surprise Rome semi

Tommy Paul outlasted seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz 7-5, 3-6,6-3 on Thursday, winning a quarter-final thriller…

10 hours ago

Zverev ignores mishap to advance

Alexander Zverev shook off the effects of an early-stage tumble which required medical intervention to beat…

1 day ago

Sablenka glides into Rome semi-finals

Aryna Sabalenka faced little opposition as she ignored a nagging lower back issue to earn a…

1 day ago

Murray books grass-court return to Stuttgart

Andy Murray will make a return to the Stuttgart grass next month, two years after…

2 days ago

Wily strategist Tsitsipas mows down de Minaur

Stefanos Tsitaipas spent an hour in matching Alex de Minaur move for move to deliver…

2 days ago