LONDON: The ATP Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) have signed a multi-year strategic partnership, the governing body of men’s tennis said on Wednesday in a move highlighting the growing influence of the Gulf nation on global sport.

The PIF will now become the official naming partner of the men’s rankings as well as partner ATP tournaments in Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Beijing, the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin and the Next Gen ATP Finals staged in Jeddah.

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in various sports like soccer, Formula One, boxing and golf in the last few years while critics accuse the oil-rich kingdom of using PIF to “sportswash” its human rights record.

The country denies accusations of human rights abuses and says it protects its national security through its laws.

The ATP said PIF had committed to developing and unlocking opportunities for young players and would also contribute to its OneVision Strategic Plan that focuses on unity, enhancing fan experiences and leveraging growth opportunities.

“Our strategic partnership with PIF marks a major moment for tennis,” ATP CEO Massimo Calvelli said in a statement. “It’s a shared commitment to propel the future of the sport.”

Published in Dawn, February 29th, 2024