It’s been more than eighteen months since bid invitations were extended to Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Australia, and the decision to choose Saudi Arabia is one of the best-kept secrets in the sport.
A 10th edition of the Masters had always been envisaged, but before the rules were changed in a vote earlier this year, it would have to take place on grass in the first week of the year or before Wimbledon.
Now, though, it could take place at any time, expected to take place in February, when the ATP has already visited the Gulf region for events in Doha and Dubai.
But the ATP has not publicly confirmed this, as the date is sure to upset some.
Holding the tournament in Saudi Arabia during the first week of the year would be viewed by Tennis Australia as a hostile gesture as most of its leading players will no longer compete in the country before the Australian Open.
Scheduling the tournament in February could take players away from traditional clay-court events in Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, as well as European indoor championships such as Rotterdam.
One popular solution is to hold two races in February – one in the Middle East and the other in South America – with the European events moved to later in the year.
It’s unclear how much prize money the Saudi tournament will offer, but the ATP sets minimum prize money for all Masters 1000 events.
Next week’s Paris Masters also has 56 entries, with a minimum prize of €6,128,940 (£5,328,338).
Tournaments can pay out larger prizes – as long as the increased prize money is divided evenly among the draws.
This year’s Indian Wells Masters offers an additional $500,000 (£374,650) in prize money, but Masters 1000 events rarely offer more than the minimum.
