Wimbledon 'could join 14-event super tour' leaving ATP and WTA in ruins
A significant tennis revamp may be on the horizon with hopes of shaking up new interest in the sport.
Wimbledon could join the Grand Slams in a 'super tour'
Wimbledon is reportedly considering joining the three other tennis Grand Slams to create a 'super tour' and revamp how the sport is run. There are rumors that Saudi Arabian investment may play a part, with the Gulf state planning to host one of the events. This potential change could have devastating effects on the ATP and WTA, the governing bodies of men's and women's professional tennis, respectively.
Currently, the men's calendar includes nine Masters 1000 events, such as the Cincinnati Masters, Indian Wells Masters, and Italian Open, which are all organized by the ATP. However, there are murmurs that the four Grand Slams, Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open, are considering buying those nine events. Additionally, a new tournament hosted in Saudi Arabia could be created, while the ATP and WTA would continue to host their own events.
Potential for a 14-event super tour
If the plans come to fruition, tennis fans could witness a 14-event super tour that includes the four Grand Slams and other prestigious tournaments. This idea is inspired by the 'F1 model' and aims to attract new fans to the sport. However, there are still many challenges to overcome before the arrangement is finalized.
These rumors have raised concerns about the impact on the so-called 'lesser events' and the players ranked outside the top 50 who participate in them. Some fans worry that these changes could negatively affect the overall landscape of tennis and diminish the importance of certain tournaments.
Mixed reactions from players
While some players have expressed concerns about the potential changes and their impact on the sport, others have welcomed the possibility of attracting new fans and increasing the financial rewards in tennis. Nick Kyrgios, for example, has openly talked about the prospect of Saudi Arabian investment in tennis and the potential for higher pay for players. Ons Jabeur also supports change and highlights the positive strides being made for women's rights in Saudi Arabia.
However, there are conflicting opinions among players. Some believe that the proposed changes could harm the integrity of the sport, while others are hopeful that it could lead to a positive transformation and greater opportunities for players and fans alike.
