Saudi Arabia will host the season-ending Next Gen Finals for men's under-21 players from 2023-2027 it was announced on Thursday.
“The ATP Tour is truly global and exploring new markets is central to growing the game. Bringing the Next Gen ATP Finals to Jeddah is our chance to inspire new fans, in a region with a vast young population, and unite audiences around tennis,” ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said in a statement.
The tournament has been played in Milan since it began in 2017. It will now move to the Middle East for the first time, with Jeddah as its latest venue. Its prize money has also increased to a record $2 million, up from $1.4 million last year.
“Our congratulations go to Jeddah and the Saudi Tennis Federation. We look forward to building on the event’s incredible success together.”
It is the first time an official ATP event will be held in Saudi Arabia. It's part of a recent push to bring top-level sporting events under the umbrella of the kingdom.
The PGA Tour, European Tour and Saudi-funded LIV Golf announced a collaboration last month. Saudi football clubs, backed by the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund, have been signing big-name players with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar and many more having moved to the Middle East.
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Carlos Alcaraz of Spain lifts the trophy after his victory against Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the men's singles final at Wimbledon on July 16, 2023. PA -
Carlos Alcaraz lifts the trophy after his victory against Novak Djokovic. Getty -
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic. AP -
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates winning championship point. Getty -
Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after his win. AP -
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz celebrates in the crowd. AP -
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with his coach, family and friends after beating Novak Djokovic. AP -
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, front, embraces Serbia's Novak Djokovic after the final. AP -
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz receives the trophy from Kate, the Princess of Wales. Reuters -
Carlos Alcaraz celebrates his victory. Getty -
Carlos Alcaraz celebrates. EPA -
Novak Djokovic reacts after a point. PA -
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz after winning the second set. AFP -
Novak Djokovic takes a tumble. EPA -
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after winning the second set. AP -
Novak Djokovic of Serbia falls. Getty -
Novak Djokovic reacts as he plays Carlos Alcaraz. AP -
Novak Djokovic serves to Carlos Alcaraz. AP -
Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action at the net. Reuters -
Kate, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince William sit in the Royal Box on Centre Court. AP -
Spain's King Felipe VI watches Serbia's Novak Djokovic play Carlos Alcaraz of Spain. EPA -
Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Princess Charlotte. Getty -
Princess Charlotte and Prince George in the Royal Box. Getty -
Carlos Alcaraz plays a forehand. PA -
Novak Djokovic stretches to make a return. EPA -
Actor Andrew Garfield, top right, singer Ariana Grande, centre, and actor Tom Hiddleston, bottom right, sit in the stands. AP -
Carlos Alcaraz returns the ball to Novak Djokovic. AFP -
Serbia's Novak Djokovic plays a backhand return. Reuters -
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts. Getty -
Actor Hugh Jackman watches the men's final. AP -
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain serves. Getty -
James Bond actor Daniel Craig in the Royal Box. Getty -
Actor Brad Pitt and director Guy Ritchie in the stands. AP -
Actor James Norton, second right, and actor Imogen Poots, right, sit in the Royal Box. AP -
Carlos Alcaraz returns the ball through his legs. AFP
