Kyrgios is one of the most high-profile players to react to the news. The Australian has previously complained about the pay offered to the elite in the men’s game.
However, the 27-year-old believes that PIF “sees the value” in tennis and will pay stars what they “deserve to be paid”. Kyrgios excitedly tweeted about the update on Monday evening.
Typing in caps-lock, the former Wimbledon finalist beamed: “FINALLY. THEY SEE THE VALUE. WE ARE GOING TO GET PAID WHAT WE DESERVE TO GET PAID. SIGN ME UP.”
Kyrgios’ words were accompanied by 10 moneybag emojis. The outspoken Aussie is the first professional men’s tennis player to publicly advocate for the Saudis buying a stake in the ATP.
Gaudenzi has warned PIF that tennis’s history must be respected and there cannot be a repeat of the scenario that saw the Saudi sovereign wealth fund create a new golf tour, LIV Golf, to rival the PGA Tour. Both tours have since struck a deal to effectively merge.
In a major warning to PIF, the ATP head told the Financial Times: “You have to preserve something which is almost sacred, the rules of the game. This is not a video game, this is not a movie.”
PIF has invested heavily in sport over the last few years and continues to plough money into football, golf, boxing and other events. Critics have accused PIF of being a vehicle for the country to improve its reputation through sports washing because Saudi Arabia has been criticised for its poor human rights record.
The country does not currently have a regular tournament on the ATP Tour but has previously held exhibition events. It is believed to be one of the bidders to host the Next Gen Finals later this year.
Last year, it was revealed that Andy Murray had turned down a multimillion offer to play in Saudi Arabia. “He’s turned down stuff in Saudi and I don’t think he would play there just because of what’s gone on,” Murray’s agent, Matt Gentry, said.
“If he feels strongly about something regardless, he’s at the stage where he will happily call it out and he will have that debate with people. I don’t think he’s scared to voice his opinion on it.”
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