7x Grand Slam champion John McEnroe says that talks of a potential Saudi investment in the ATP Tour are "comical." Full story » gofos.co/3PDjzP5
"It’s comical that it’s even being brought up right now": McEnroe and Evert lambast Saudi Arabia investment talks
Tennis NewsThursday, 29 June 2023 at 12:27
Tennis legends John McEnroe and Chris Evert are the first two high profile figures who have come out against the supposed investment by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) into the ATP Tour.
ATP Chief, Andrea Gaudenzi said earlier this week that positive discussions had been had with the same fund who have invested in the LIV Tour who merged with the PGA, bought Newcastle United and has drawn many top football stars to their Pro League.
But McEnroe himself dubbed it 'comical' and brought comparisons with the way the golf situation was handled where a break away tour was sought before they eventually invested in the PGA.
“I wouldn’t encourage it personally, the Saudi thing. I’m not surprised that tennis is being thrown into the mix after what we saw in golf,” McEnroe said Wednesday on a call with reporters as per Front Office Sports. “I don’t think that’s something that we should be pursuing. It’s not in my hands.”
“I don’t know why in the hell tennis would suddenly be; let’s talk to the Saudis after the debacle that you’re watching in golf. To me, it’s comical that it’s even being brought up right now."
US government also hypocrites, money talks according to McEnroe
But he believes that despite that most are hypocrites for having dealings with the Saudis including the US Government and that in the end money talks especially in a situation like this.
“It looked to me like the PGA were total hypocrites when they cut a deal after they’ve been fighting [Saudi Arabia’s LIV Golf], in my opinion,” said McEnroe. “At the same time, the people that are complaining about it, a lot of the people are hypocrites because our government does business with them along with tons of other hedge funds, wealth funds, you could down the list of people that have dealings.”
“Unfortunately, it’s like money talks, that’s all that matters. But I don’t think that’s all that matters,” McEnroe concluded. “Eventually, you get bought out. It’s like, at some point, someone will offer too much.”
While Chris Evert, 18-time Grand Slam champion on the media call didn't say much on the matter but made her thoughts clear.
“I think it’s sportswashing. I don’t think we need to go there,” Evert added.
So far in terms of top ATP players, Nick Kyrgios celebrated the investment talks saying that ATP players will finally get what they deserve with money bag emojis, while Carlos Alcaraz also talked up the chance of playing in Saudi Arabia.
A story which likely will receive new thoughts and more and more traction over time in multiple directions.
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