With a press release, ATP has officially (at least for the moment) denied the upcoming organization of a 10th seasonal ATP Masters 1000, which, according to many rumors, could be hosted by Saudi Arabia
“We are aware of media reports that a decision has been made regarding the tenth ATP Masters 1000 tournament. We would like to clarify that this news is not true. No decisions have been made and any updates will be communicated at the appropriate time.”
We are aware of reports in the media claiming that a decision has been reached concerning a 10th ATP Masters 1000 tournament. We would like to clarify that these reports are inaccurate. No decisions have been made and any updates will be communicated at the appropriate time.
— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 25, 2024
But the statement released by the ATP was not enough to quell the criticism rained down from Tennis Australia.
The tournament in question should be played in the first week of the season, thus giving rise to a real clash between Tennis Australia and the ATP.
Organizing an ATP Masters 1000 a few days before the start of the Australian Open would in fact make the scenario that would see them competing in the United Cup less attractive for the players and would not give the right value to all the events preceding the first Slam of the year.
Tennis Australia threats ATP
Craig Tiley and Jayne Hrdlicka (CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tennis Australia, respectively), have written to the ATP threatening legal action. The placement of an ATP Masters 1000 in that week would represent for them a violation of the existing contract between the parties involved.
“Tennis Australia has an agreement with the ATP and WTA for the United Cup, in the first week, until 2029, with options to extend. The players appreciate the event, as well as our organisation. We do not enter into agreements lightly and we do not take lightly an attempt to violate an existing agreement,” Tennis Australia would have communicated, according to what reported by The Athletic.
ATP’s response to Tennis Australia came after the indiscretion launched by Riccardo Bisti to Tennis Magazine Italia, concerning the concrete possibility that a Masters 1000 will be played in Saudi Arabia starting from 2027.