Saudi millions lure NextGen Finals to Jeddah

The ATP has predictably followed golf by allowing Saudi money into the sport with the first coup set to unfold from November 28 when the NextGen Finals begin.

The year-end final for the bet eight players aged under 21 were long predicted to be coming to the controversial desert kingdom which is spending billions in sport to clean up its worldwide image.

The ATP is the latest sporting body to fall into line in exchange for a promised payday.

The USD 2 million event will move south into uncharted cultural territory after five years in Milan.

ATP officials were naturally delighted with head Andrea Gaudenzi called the move negotiated by an international consulting firm “our chance to inspire new fans, in a region with a vast young population, and unite audiences around tennis.”

Bill Scott

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