Nick Kyrgios reacts to Saudi Arabia’s alleged ‘positive talks’ with ATP Tour
Nick Kyrgios has voiced his opinions on the potential of the ATP Tour moving to Saudi Arabia, after it was reported that ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi had held ‘positive talks’ with the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Kyrgios is often outspoken and it appears no different when it comes to this news, as the Aussie took to Twitter to share his views about the alleged investment.
In full caps-lock, the Wimbledon finalist said, “FINALLY. THEY SEE THE VALUE. WE ARE GOING TO GET PAID WHAT WE DESERVE TO GET PAID. SIGN ME UP.”
FINALLY. THEY SEE THE VALUE. WE ARE GOING TO GET PAID WHAT WE DESERVE TO GET PAID. SIGN ME UP ?????????? https://t.co/sJpj9lK6Vg
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 26, 2023
There have been heavy rumours about the PIF getting involved with tennis, as they have done with other sports including golf and boxing.
While there have allegedly been positive talks held, the recently re-elected ATP Chairmen Gaudenzi was keen to warn the PIF that there could not be a repeat of the saga that saw a new golf tour created to rival the main PGA tour.
“You have to preserve something which is almost sacred, the rules of the game. This is not a video game, this is not a movie,” claimed the former top 20 player.
There have been heavy rumours of Saudi Arabia hosting the Next Gen Finals, that have previously only been held in Milan in the six years of the tournament’s existence.
Despite the country not holding a regular tournament on the ATP Tour, they have held exhibition events including the Diriyah Tennis Cup at the end of 2022 that saw winner Taylor Fritz take home a million dollars.
Kyrgios was also part of that exhibition event and while he has been the most outspoken active player so far, world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz has also commented on the potential deal.
“I mean, they have the power to have a lot of tournaments. I have never played a tournament, an official one. But, let’s see how it is gonna be,” said Alcaraz. “I have no doubts that I will play over there in the future.”
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