"Try to structure a deal that is going to protect the integrity": Djokovic believes important factor surrounds potential Saudi Arabia deal
ATPSunday, 02 July 2023 at 11:00
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic believes that the ATP and WTA must
be cautious in a potential deal with Saudi Arabia.
There have been recent reports suggesting the Middle
East’s country’s interest in investing heavily in the sport, just like they
have done in golf and football.
Djokovic, who has won the most number of Grand Slam titles
in the men’s singles tennis history in the Open era. Where he stated that both men’s and women’s tennis federations
must find a way to structure a deal which will be beneficial for the bodies as
well as the players.
“Well, I think the president of ATP and WTA are going to
probably answer those questions [regarding Saudi Arabia’s interest] better than
I in terms of what strategically they think is the right move for tennis,” said
the 36-year-old. “I think personally was just question of time when they were
to start some kind of negotiations or conversations in tennis to try to enter
tennis.
“They've done that with pretty much all other global sports,
except maybe basketball. We see what's happening in football for the last few
years, the stars that are going there for tremendous amounts of money. We know
that Formula 1 is there, all the other sports, golf, et cetera. You mentioned
golf.
“I think that we as individual sport on a global level are
probably closest to golf in terms of how we see sports. I think from that
example we can probably learn a lot, some positives, some negatives, and try to
structure a deal if it's going in that direction in a proper way that is going
to protect the integrity and tradition and history of this sport, but still be
able to grow it in such way that it will be appropriate.”
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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