In recent news, Saudi Arabia has set its sights on the world of tennis, aiming to replicate its successful foray into golf with LIV Golf. However, former tennis legend John McEnroe and President of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Patrick McEnroe have expressed reservations about the feasibility of such an endeavor.

While the allure of lucrative financial incentives and the potential to attract star players may be tempting, the intricacies of tennis make it a more complex arena to conquer. This article explores Saudi Arabia’s tennis aspirations and delves into the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead.

John McEnroe thinks tennis is not like other sports

One key aspect that distinguishes tennis from other sports is its heavy reliance on a select few star players. The likes of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer command substantial appearance fees in tournaments such as Doha and Dubai, often surpassing seven figures.

These massive payouts act as an incentive for top players to participate. This makes it challenging for new ventures to replicate such financial rewards. The presence of these tennis superstars also adds prestige and draws in a massive global audience. Hence, Saudi Arabia would need to strategize creatively to entice these influential figures into their proposed tournaments.

According to a Forbes article, “When Rafa [Nadal] and Novak [Djokovic] and Roger [Federer] were going to play in Doha and Dubai, they’re getting like seven figures,” John McEnroe said. “They’re getting like $1 million to show up, which is way more than they’d get to show up in Marseille or San Jose.”

Saudi Arabia’s previous venture into the sports industry, LIV Golf, serves as a valuable case study. Backed by Saudi investors, LIV Golf aimed to rival the PGA Tour in golf. However, the merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour faced severe backlash, shedding light on the complexities of disrupting well-established sporting institutions.

The experience gained from this episode should act as a cautionary tale for the tennis industry. The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and other governing bodies will be vigilant in protecting the integrity and stability of their events.

Also read: Bluntly Refusing to Apologize, John McEnroe Fueled Further Controversy With a Bizarre Solution to Endless Serena Williams Debate in 2017

Saudi Arabia bids to host the ATP Next-Gen Finals

In tennis, the governing bodies, particularly the ATP Tour, hold significant sway over tournament schedules and player participation. Any new entrant, including Saudi Arabia, would need to engage in intricate negotiations with these bodies. The ATP Next-Gen Finals, which Saudi Arabia is reportedly bidding to host, serves as an example of the challenges ahead.

The response from the ATP remains awaited, raising questions about the feasibility of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions. While the Majors, such as Wimbledon and the US Open, possess more autonomy, they will also closely monitor any developments that could disrupt the tennis landscape.

“I think it would be more complicated in tennis,” added Patrick McEnroe, who said he played the first tournament ever in Doha, Qatar. “And I also think that because it’s already happened in golf, that the antennas are up for the organizing bodies, particularly the [ATP] Tour. They’re the ones that have to worry. The majors don’t really have to worry. The majors in tennis are really they’re own entities,” said McEnroe.

The road ahead appears challenging. However, Saudi Arabia’s interest in tennis presents a unique opportunity for the sport to expand its global reach. The nation has been investing heavily in sports and entertainment, aiming to diversify its economy and enhance its international image.

Thus, Saudi Arabia’s potential investment in tennis is a bold and ambitious move. While facing the complexities of the sports structure and the dominance of star players, the nation aims to replicate its success in golf with LIV Golf. With many opposing the deal, many big names like Nick Kyrgios and others have come forward in support of this. It will not be exciting to see what the future unfolds.