Saudi Arabia Makes Inroads into Professional Tennis with Exhibition Matches Featuring Djokovic and Alcaraz
Saudi Arabia has made a significant move in its efforts to become a part of the global sports infrastructure by hosting exhibition matches featuring some of the world’s top tennis players. The announcement was made on Thursday that Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, two of the sport’s biggest names, will face each other in Riyadh in December. This is a major achievement for the kingdom, which has been using sports to enhance its public image.
The exhibition matches will take place as part of Riyadh Season, a massive festival organized by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. Before Djokovic and Alcaraz take the court, Aryna Sabalenka, the top-ranked women’s player, will play against Ons Jabeur, the most successful female player of African and Arab descent in tennis history.
While Saudi Arabia is still working towards hosting significant tournaments on the men’s and women’s tours, this move to bring in top players demonstrates their commitment to becoming a prominent player in the tennis world. Last year, the kingdom launched its own men’s golf tour, attracting top players with lucrative deals. This move led to a pending deal with the PGA Tour, giving Saudi Arabia’s investment arm a significant stake in the sport’s top tour.
However, Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish itself in the sports world have faced criticism from those who accuse the country of using sports as a distraction from its repressive rule. The assassination of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 further intensified the backlash against the kingdom. Despite this, Djokovic and Alcaraz’s participation in the exhibition matches highlights the country’s growing influence in the tennis community.
The rivalry between Djokovic and Alcaraz has quickly become one of the most exciting matchups in sports. They first played against each other at the French Open in June, where Djokovic emerged victorious. However, Alcaraz got his revenge the following month with a thrilling five-set win at Wimbledon. Djokovic later defeated Alcaraz in a grueling three-set match at the Western & Southern Open near Cincinnati.
The exhibition match in Saudi Arabia will provide an opportunity for both players to prepare for the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year. Given their recent performances, they are expected to be strong contenders and potentially face each other in the final.
Saudi Arabia has taken a less aggressive approach to tennis compared to its endeavors in golf. The country recently secured the rights to host the ATP’s Next Gen Finals, featuring the best players aged 21 and under. Additionally, Saudi Arabia was among the top bidders for a long-term deal to host the WTA Finals, a premier event on the women’s tour.
While some officials and players have expressed support for bringing tennis events to Saudi Arabia, concerns about human rights issues and discrimination have led to decisions against hosting major tournaments in the country. The WTA Tour, for example, signed a one-year deal to stage their event in Cancun, Mexico.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s announcement of exhibition matches featuring Djokovic and Alcaraz is a significant step towards establishing itself as a prominent player in professional tennis. Despite facing criticism for its human rights record, the kingdom’s investment in sports continues to attract top athletes. The exhibition matches will not only provide entertainment for fans but also serve as preparation for the upcoming Australian Open. As Saudi Arabia broadens its presence in the sports world, it remains to be seen how it will navigate the challenges and controversies that come with hosting major tournaments.