There could be a new ATP Masters 1000 event, or a combined ATP and WTA 1000 event on the horizon as Saudi Arabia is expected to takeover host duties beginning January 2025.
Saudi Arabia has never held an ATP or WTA 1000 event, although the nation has been applying pressure in an attempt to host a large tennis event. With their sudden emergence in the bidding market, it appears they may be closer to achieving this goal.
Hosting a Masters 1000 could help boost the popularity of tennis in Saudi Arabia
"I hope that the Masters 1000 they will have in January 2025 will satisfy their "tennis cravings", says the President of the Italian federation via Il Corriere.
There are currently nine Masters events on the ATP calendar, with the WTA tour also having nine WTA 1000 events.