Alexander Zverev Shares Worrying Angle About the New Masters 1000 Event in Saudi Arabia

Alexander Zverev is optimistic about what is to come with the integration of the new Masters 1000 set to be held in Saudi Arabia. The event is likely to take place in 2028, but there is no schedule mentioned as to which month the event will take place.

Zverev, who was in Saudi Arabia for the Six Kings Slam recently, claims (as reported by Punto de Break) that this event will be a great idea if the season gets shortened as a consequence. Otherwise, it could have a negative impact on the players who are already criticizing the ATP for the tournament congestion.

If they promise us that with the money from the 10th Masters they’ll buy back tournaments/weeks and thus shorten the season, that would be great for us, the players. If the season is shortened by 3 or 4 weeks and we don’t have to play until the end of November or early December, but “only” until mid-November, that would be a great idea. If they don’t do anything with that money and just add one tournament, that would be a good story, but it wouldn’t make much sense for the Top 10/Top 20. I hope we’re on the right track.

Saudi Arabia has been heavily influencing the game recently. They also host the WTA Finals in Riyadh alongside the Six Kings Slam exhibition event held after the US Open.

As for Saudi Arabia, I liked it, I really enjoyed being there. It’s a country that’s doing a lot in sport, and it’s good to see, but I also want the ATP to take the next steps: perhaps buying back some of the year-end 250 tournaments or reorganizing them, to have a season three or four weeks shorter and a preseason that’s not just four weeks, but maybe eight. It would be beneficial for all the top players. Having three more weeks of preseason would be fantastic.

Outside of that, Saudi Arabia has also attracted a lot of tennis ambassadors. The biggest one being Rafael Nadal, who has been seen in multiple junior events in the Middle East.

Alexander Zverev gets a walkover at Vienna Open

German tennis star Alexander Zverev reached the Vienna Open semifinals without playing. Tallon Griekspoor withdrew before they stepped on court. A back problem forced the Dutch player to stop.