Saudi Arabia’s tennis ambitions grow with 33,000-seat Wimbledon-inspired complex

Tuesday, 16 June 2026 at 02:30

Centre Court at Wimbledon with the roof closed

Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans for a vast National Tennis Centre in Qiddiya City, a development that further underlines the kingdom’s growing commitment to tennis. Located near Riyadh and forming part of the country’s Vision 2030 programme, the project has drawn immediate attention for its resemblance to Wimbledon, both in its architecture and its distinctive use of the All England Club’s iconic green and purple colours.

The proposed complex is set to become the largest dedicated tennis facility in the region. At its centre will be a 15,000-seat stadium court equipped with a retractable roof designed to provide climate control during the country’s intense summer temperatures. The wider site will include indoor, outdoor and practice courts, creating a year-round venue capable of hosting major international events.

In total, the National Tennis Centre will feature 30 courts and a seating capacity of approximately 33,000 spectators. While the facility’s appearance closely mirrors Wimbledon, the main competition courts will be hard courts painted in purple and green. Plans also include two clay courts, reflecting a broader effort to accommodate different levels of training and competition.

The announcement represents another significant step in Saudi Arabia’s expanding involvement in tennis. In recent years, the kingdom has invested heavily in the sport through the Public Investment Fund, secured the rights to host an ATP Masters 1000 event from 2028, and staged the Six Kings Slam exhibition featuring leading players such as Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner.

Wimbledon-inspired design at the heart of Qiddiya

Images released by project developers show a design that leaves little doubt about its inspiration. Several structures are covered with a grass-like exterior material, while the colour palette mirrors the visual identity that has become synonymous with Wimbledon. The result is a complex that has already been labelled by some observers as the “Wimbledon of the Desert”.

The facility is expected to serve as a central sporting landmark within Qiddiya City, a large-scale development project being built approximately 30 miles from Riyadh. The city is designed to become a hub for entertainment, culture and sport, with tennis positioned as one of its flagship attractions.

تخيلوا مكان يجمع أكبر البطولات العالمية ومواهب المستقبل في وقت واحد 🎾

هذا مركز التنس الوطني القادم في #مدينة_القدية ✨
وخلونا ناخذكم بجولة سريعة عليه 👀 pic.twitter.com/druWe2SWul
— مدينة القدية | Qiddiya City (@QiddiyaCity) June 15, 2026

Saudi Sports Minister Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal described the project as a key component in the growth of tennis within the country. “The complex represents an important pillar in developing tennis in the Kingdom," he said a according to Daily Mail.

Qiddiya Investment Company Managing Director Abdullah Aldawood said the centre was designed to support both elite competition and grassroots participation, while helping develop future generations of Saudi players.

“We are building a world-class home for tennis at every level, where the world's best players can compete, the next generation of Saudi talent can reach their potential, and families and communities across Saudi Arabia can experience this great sport.”

ATP endorsement and Saudi Arabia’s growing tennis ambitions

The project has also received a positive reception from the ATP, which has strengthened its relationship with Saudi Arabia in recent years through commercial partnerships and future tournament agreements. ATP Chief Executive Officer Eno Polo described the development as an important addition to the sport’s infrastructure.

“Facilities of this scale and quality play an important role in the continued growth of tennis. By providing a world-class stage for competition alongside opportunities for participation at all levels, the National Tennis Centre has the potential to make a lasting impact on the sport across the region for years to come.”

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Polo also called the venue “a remarkable addition to the global tennis landscape”, highlighting the ATP’s belief that major infrastructure projects can play a role in expanding tennis into new markets. The endorsement arrives as Saudi Arabia continues positioning itself as a long-term stakeholder within the sport rather than simply a host of individual events.

Not every tennis initiative in the kingdom has enjoyed the same level of success. The WTA Finals are expected to leave Riyadh following the conclusion of their current three-year agreement later this year, while several events in the region have struggled to consistently attract full-capacity crowds despite the presence of some of the sport’s biggest stars and record prize-money offerings.

Nevertheless, the scale of the National Tennis Centre demonstrates that Saudi Arabia’s ambitions remain substantial. Beyond tennis, Qiddiya City is set to feature an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Nick Faldo, a horse-racing venue, a gaming and esports district, a performing arts centre and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, which is expected to host matches during the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

#QiddiyaCity’s National Tennis Centre represents a leap in #QiddiyaInvestmentCompany’s mission to anchor the Kingdom’s sports pillar. From specialised competition courts to training facilities, expect the very best of what the tennis world has to offer.
— Qiddiya (@qiddiya_en) June 15, 2026

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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