Australian Open chief Craig Tiley believes any Saudi investment in tennis will avoid the disruption that fractured golf because talks are focused on bolstering the current structures of the game.
ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi told the Financial Times last week that he had "positive" discussions with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and other potential investors.
Talk of a potential partnership comes after the PIF-backed LIV Golf circuit engaged in a bitter two-year dispute with the PGA Tour before announcing an agreement to merge – along with DP World Tour – and form one unified commercial entity.
While specific details from the meeting have not been made public, the Financial Times reported that the ATP Tour are seeking investment for infrastructure, technology, and events in new markets.
"What's different to what we're seeing [in other sports] is this is an investment in the current structure of the game and not an investment in an alternative option," Tiley told reporters on Tuesday.
"But like everything in the world, there's lots of changes always going on. So you've got to watch what's going on and stay close to it.
"But, ultimately, that's a decision for the men's and the women's tour."
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Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema was unveiled as an Al-Ittihad player in front of thousands of fans in Saudi Arabia. Photo: Al-Ittihad -
Karim Benzema pses for photos inside the Ittihad dressing room during his unveiling. Photo: Al-Ittihad -
Al Ittihad fans pack the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium at Karim Benzema's unveiling. Photo: Al-Ittihad -
Karim Benzema lifts the Ballon d'Or trophy during his unveiling as an Al-Ittihad player. Photo: Al-Ittihad -
Karim Benzema speaks to the crowd during his unveiling at King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah. AFP -
Karim Benzema greets young Al Ittihad fans during his unveiling at King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah. AFP -
Al Ittihad fans display Karim Benzema's Real Madrid shirt during a presentation ceremony at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. AP -
Karim Benzema kicks a football into the stands during his presentation at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Getty Images -
Karim Benzema applauds the fans at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Getty Images -
Fans watch fireworks at Al Ittihad's stadium in Jeddah during a ceremony to unveil former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. AFP -
A billboard welcomes Karim Benzema ahead of his unveiling as an Al Ittihad player. Photo: Al-Ittihad -
Karim Benzema's Al Ittihad jersey is displayed in the club's dressing room. Photo: Al-Ittihad
Saudi Arabia has pumped huge amounts of money into sport in recent years. The PIF holds a majority stake in Premier League club Newcastle United, has a long-term deal with Formula One, and increased its stake in the Saudi Pro League's four biggest clubs, which has helped finance the arrivals of some of the biggest names in world football including Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
Competitive men's tennis could go to Saudi as early as the end of this season, following reports that the ATP's Next Gen Finals – the end-of-season event for the leading under-21 players – could be held in Jeddah as part of a new five-year deal.
Some of the world's top players have already featured in the Diriyah Cup exhibition event on the outskirts of Riyadh and world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz said earlier this week he had "no doubts" he would compete in Saudi Arabia at some point.
Australia's Nick Kyrgios welcomed the news of the ATP's discussions on investment from Saudi Arabia and said it would bring players the financial rewards they deserved.
"Finally. They see the value," he tweeted above a report of the talks between the Saudis and ATP.
"We are going to get paid what we deserve to get paid. Sign me up."
