Saudi millions and a lengthy lobbying campaign paid dividends on Thursday as the WTA sent the year-end Finals to the kingdom for a three-year run.
The move should hand the cash-strapped sanctioning body a massive financial lifeline at the cost of worldwide controversy.
The first edition of the eight-player event is set for November 2-9.
Global prize money for the week will start at USD 15.25 million with increases promised annually.
The WTA touted the “plans to grow the global fanbase for women’s tennis through increased investment in marketing, digital and fan engagement,” in a release.
The WTA tournament is the second on the Tours to relocate to the desert, following the ATP NextGen Under-21 event which was staged in Jeddah five months ago.
Alexander Zverev shook off the effects of an early-stage tumble which required medical intervention to beat…
Aryna Sabalenka faced little opposition as she ignored a nagging lower back issue to earn a…
Andy Murray will make a return to the Stuttgart grass next month, two years after…
Stefanos Tsitaipas spent an hour in matching Alex de Minaur move for move to deliver…
Iga Swiatek stretched her clay court winning run to 10 consecutive matches as she schooled…
No-drama Taylor Fritz saved all 11 break points he faced and threw down 13 aces in…