RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has become one of the fastest-growing countries in world of sports, emerging not only as an international sporting hub, but also a center of activities, events, and spectacles.
From athletics, football, F1, boxing, basketball, and golf, many sports are driving unprecedented socio-economic transformation under Vision 2030. They are enriching lives, enhancing well-being, and presenting a whole new world of opportunity, paving the way for people to discover passions, pursue dreams, and realize potential.
Tennis has been making its mark in the Saudi sports evolution, so much that its nationwide growth and popularity cannot be missed.
As president of the Saudi Tennis Federation, Arij Almutabagani is one of the key figures leading the charge. Since assuming her position in 2021, she has spearheaded STF’s efforts to grow the sport across all levels, laying strong foundations for tennis and all involved to thrive.
Almutabagani’s primary aspiration is building a vibrant junior tennis scene. With 63 percent of Saudi’s over 32 million population under the age of 30 and with nationwide sports participation now at 50 percent, she is adamant that tennis can embrace the Kingdom’s youth opportunities.
“Our strategy is to nurture young players, develop infrastructure, and invest in grassroots initiatives because youth is the key to any sport’s long-term success,” she said. “We’re certainly on the right path. Our strategy is working and we’re seeing interest and participation increase.”
Almutabagani’s statements are backed by glowing statistics. Saudi today is home to 177 tennis clubs, up 146 percent since 2019. In the last four years, the number of registered players has increased by 46 percent to 2,300, and U14 players by 100 percent — from 500 to over 1,000.
STF also holds 40 national tournaments annually, including hosting three ITF Juniors tournaments in the past year, which marked the return of ITF events since the first was played back in 2022.
“Major strides have been taken and one of these was tennis being added to the school physical education curriculum earlier this year,” said Almutabagani.
STF’s partnership with the Saudi Sports For All Federation presented “Tennis For All” in 2022, a 16-week mass participation program to introduce tennis to a new generation of sports enthusiasts. Over 13,000 people were introduced to tennis in the first edition, with a higher figure in 2023.
This past April, “Tennis For All” was introduced in the Ministry of Education’s curriculum at 90 public schools, with STF training 170 physical education teachers to provide lessons. Participation more than doubled this time around, with an estimated 30,000 people.
“We’re targeting 200 schools in 2024 and 400 by 2025,” Almutabagani said. “Achieving this will support sustained growth as more tennis academies are launched and more national tennis centers are built. We already have 505 coaches and 182 officials in the Kingdom and we’ll be rolling out more opportunities for people to get involved.”
A sure catalyst for further sports transformation, Saudi Arabia currently hosts its first-ever professional tennis event — the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by NEOM. A global, modern, and innovative competition featuring the world’s best U21 players, the finals are currently taking place at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City from until Dec. 2.
Sanctioned by the ATP Tour and hosted by STF, this historic event marks the beginning of a five-year contract to bring the pinnacle of young global tennis talent to the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia’s top male tennis player, Ammar Alhogbani, has practiced with and played against some of the eight players competing in the Next Gen ATP Finals. He said: “The growth of tennis in Saudi Arabia and for Saudi Arabians has been exceptional in recent years, I’m blessed to be even a small a part of it. To now also have the first sanctioned ATP event in our backyard is an immensely exciting part of our next chapter.
“I’m sure having the best young players from around the world here in Jeddah will inspire future generations of Saudi to follow in their footsteps and encourage all Saudi’s players to come out and experience the event for themselves.”
Looking ahead, the value of Saudi Arabia’s sports event industry is growing by 8 percent per year and will reach $3.3 billion by 2024 — a $1.2 billion increase from 2018. Additionally, significant events investments are being made, with $2 billion committed to help sports grow by 2024.
“Tennis will become a big part of Saudi’s future sports event industry, and this will be the first of many professional tennis tournaments that we stage,” added Almutabagani.
“We eagerly anticipate welcoming tennis enthusiasts from across Saudi Arabia and beyond to witness the exhilarating matches and experience the innovation and excitement that the Next Gen ATP Finals will bring to Jeddah.”
Tennis, the latest sport on the rise in Saudi Arabia
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Tennis, the latest sport on the rise in Saudi Arabia
- The game has been making its mark in the Kingdom’s sports evolution, so much that its nationwide popularity cannot be missed
- Arij Almutabagani, president of the STF, has spearheaded the federation’s efforts to grow the sport
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner defeats Novak Djokovic in hard-fought Six Kings Slam match
- Djokovic was unable to match Sinner’s energy and precision in the opening set.
RIYADH: World No. 1 Jannik Sinner secured a significant victory over Novak Djokovic on the second day of the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, triumphing 6-2, 6-7, 6-4.
The closely contested match saw Sinner’s powerful play ultimately overwhelm the 24-time Grand Slam champion, who put up a determined fight despite visible physical setbacks.
Sinner took command early, cruising through the first set 6-2 as Djokovic struggled to keep up with the pace of the young Italian. The 36-year-old Serbian, known for his incredible resilience, found himself outplayed by Sinner’s aggressive baseline game and sharp groundstrokes.
Despite flashes of brilliance, Djokovic was unable to match Sinner’s energy and precision in the opening set.
However, Djokovic had promised earlier that he wasn’t ready to step aside for the younger generation just yet, saying, "I still believe I can compete at the highest level."
He made good on his words in the second set, digging deep to keep pace with the world’s top-ranked player. The crowd was treated to a thrilling back-and-forth as the two athletes exchanged games, tying at 2-2, 4-4, and ultimately forcing a tiebreak at 6-6. Djokovic, displaying the grit that has defined his career, surged to a 7-6 tiebreak win, leveling the match.
As the third set began, Djokovic called for medical attention for his shoulder, an injury that has troubled him throughout the year. The physical toll of the long season and his ongoing shoulder issues were evident in his serves, but he pressed on, determined to give Sinner a challenge.
With both players having a set in hand, the match remained tight, with Djokovic holding strong at 4-4.
Despite his determination, Djokovic, who has seen many of his contemporaries retire in recent years, was ultimately worn down by Sinner’s relentless play.
The Italian’s consistent pressure and powerful returns broke Djokovic’s serve late in the third set, allowing him to close out the match 6-4.
Djokovic’s effort highlighted his continued competitiveness, even as he battles injuries and the inevitable effects of age. His ability to push the world’s top-ranked player to three sets serves as a reminder of his enduring legacy. But the victory was Sinner’s, further cementing his place at the top of the sport and signaling a new era in tennis.
As the Six Kings Slam continues, all eyes will be on Sinner as he looks to build on this momentum, while Djokovic’s future remains a question as he navigates the physical demands of an increasingly younger field.
Djokovic praises Saudi Arabia’s ‘love affair’ with tennis
- 24-time Grand Slam winner sees bright future for sport in the region
- Star speaks to Arab News at Six Kings Slam now underway in Riyadh
RIYADH: Novak Djokovic believes Saudi Arabia’s “love affair” with tennis has the potential to grow the game in the region and globally.
Speaking with Arab News during the Six Kings Slam event currently underway in Riyadh, the 24-time Grand Slam winner reflected on how this type of tournament could inspire the next generation of players.
“We hope to attract attention from the younger audience ... so kids get inspired to grab a tennis racket and start playing,” he said during the Riyadh Season event which started on Wednesday and ends on Oct. 19.
The event is a part of Saudi Arabia’s larger ambition, under its Vision 2030 initiative, to become a key player in the global sports world, having already hosted high-profile events in football, Formula 1, boxing and mixed martial arts.
Djokovic underscored the importance of live events in creating a lasting impact, especially in regions where tennis is still emerging.
The Six Kings Slam also features Daniil Medvedev, Holger Rune, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal, but for Djokovic it is more than just playing matches.
Djokovic views this as a critical moment, where top athletes like himself play a role in building a foundation for tennis in the Middle East. “The Kingdom is hosting some of the greatest sporting events in recent years, and tennis is part of that rise,” he said.
With legends including Nadal nearing the end of their careers and Roger Federer already retired, tennis is in the midst of a generational transition. As one of the sport’s enduring stars, Djokovic sees this as a pivotal period for the next wave of talent.
“The younger players like (20-year-old) Alcaraz and Sinner are already forming exciting rivalries.”
However, Djokovic is not stepping aside just yet. “I’m still fighting to be in the mix,” he added, acknowledging the fierce competition from the likes of Medvedev, Rune, and others.
He said these younger players bring skill and dynamic personalities that keep fans engaged. “The sport needs characters off the court, too,” he emphasized.
The Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, offering record-breaking prize money of $6 million for the winner, represents Saudi Arabia’s bold attempt to further embed itself into the global sports conversation.
Yet for Djokovic, the real victory lies in the sport’s long-term growth. “Tennis is bigger than any one player or generation. It’s about inspiring the next,” he said.
He added: “We all are ambassadors of this sport and we all are in love with this sport that is bigger than anybody. So, you know, of course we want to see it grow. We want to see it develop.
“And, you know, the Kingdom is in love with tennis, having a little love affair. I mean, last year, I played with Alcaraz here in Riyadh for the Riyadh Season. And now we have the Six Kings Slam, which is very promising.”
Alcaraz will face ‘difficult’ clash with ‘idol’ Nadal
RIYADH: Carlos Alcaraz admitted Wednesday it will be a “difficult moment” facing “idol” Rafael Nadal on Thursday as the Spanish superstars clash for the final time.
Nadal, the winner of 22 Grand Slam titles, announced last week that he will retire from tennis after the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month.
On Thursday, however, the 38-year-old will take on Alcaraz for a place in the final of the “6 Kings Slam” exhibition event in Riyadh.
“Since I started to play tennis, I’m watching his matches. I look up to him and I grew up watching him. He was my idol, he is still my idol,” Alcaraz said on court after defeating Holger Rune 6-4, 6-2 to set-up an emotional meeting with Nadal.
“A really important person for my life, for my career and he was one of the reasons that I wanted to become a professional tennis player. Knowing he is going to retire is pretty tough for everyone, for me.”
Alcaraz, the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion, added: “I will try to enjoy sharing the court with him once again, but I think it is really difficult for everyone.”
Nadal and Alcaraz have met three times on the main ATP Tour with the soon-to-be retired veteran holding a 2-1 advantage.
The Spanish pair played doubles together at the Paris Olympics this year and they are expected to team-up again at the Davis Cup Finals.
Nadal also made his last singles appearance at the Games on the same Roland Garros courts where he won 14 French Open titles.
His Olympic singles campaign was ended by old rival Novak Djokovic in the second round.
Thursday’s other semifinal in Riyadh sees Djokovic tackle Australian Open and US Open champion Jannik Sinner.
World number one Sinner eased past Daniil Medvedev 6-0, 6-3 on Wednesday.
Jannik Sinner eliminates Daniil Medvedev at Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia
- Carlos Alcaraz was scheduled to play Holger Rune in Wednesday’s other match at the Six Kings Slam
- Nadal, 38, owns 22 Grand Slam titles; Djokovic, 37, has won 24, a record for the Open era
RIYADH: Jannik Sinner beat Daniil Medvedev 6-0, 6-3 on Wednesday at the Six Kings Slam, an exhibition event for a half-dozen men that awards money but no ATP ranking points and is Saudi Arabia’s latest foray into tennis.
Riyadh will host the WTA Finals next month to open a three-year deal as the kingdom continues to invest in various sports.
Carlos Alcaraz was scheduled to play Holger Rune in Wednesday’s other match at the Six Kings Slam.
On Thursday, the top-ranked Sinner — who was cleared in a doping case shortly before winning the US Open last month, although the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed that exoneration — will take on Novak Djokovic, and Alcaraz or Rune will face Rafael Nadal.
That will be the first match for Nadal since his exit at the Paris Olympics in July — and his first match since he announced last week that he would be retiring after playing for Spain in the Davis Cup next month.
He is an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation.
After a day off for everyone on Friday, the winners of Thursday’s two matches will meet in the event’s final on Saturday.
Nadal, 38, owns 22 Grand Slam titles; Djokovic, 37, has won 24, a record for the Open era. They were given byes into the semifinals in Riyadh.
Sinner won his first two Grand Slam trophies in 2024, and Alcaraz collected the two other men’s majors this season to raise his career total to four. Medvedev won the 2021 US Open.
Rune is the only member of the six-player field without a major championship and the only one who hasn’t been ranked No. 1.
Six Kings Slam heralds new era for tennis in Saudi Arabia
- Nadal, Djokovic, Alcaraz headline at Kingdom’s latest exhibition event
- ‘I’m proud to be part of this tournament,’ world No. 1 Alcaraz says
RIYADH. Some of the biggest names in men’s tennis have arrived in Riyadh for the Six Kings Slam, the latest exhibition event to be held in the Kingdom.
The tournament underscores the country’s ambition to become a leading destination for elite sporting events, and the six players taking part — Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic Daniil Medvedev, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune — are well aware of the role they have to play in that.
Medvedev, who is taking part in his third event in Saudi Arabia, told Arab News: “Tournaments like this are vital for developing tennis in the region. The infrastructure has improved significantly since my first visit here and I can see that this event can inspire future Saudi players to aim for the Grand Slams.”
World No. 1 Alcaraz acknowledged the Kingdom’s growing role in international sports.
“Saudi Arabia is growing rapidly in terms of sporting events and it’s great to see tennis now becoming part of that movement,” the Spaniard said. “I’m proud to be part of this tournament and hope it will encourage more people to take an interest in the game.”
Sinner, who is part of the new wave of tennis stars, said it was important to generate excitement among fans by creating fresh rivalries within the game.
“What tennis needs are rivalries that inspire young players and draw in spectators,” the Italian said. “It’s exciting to be part of an event like this, which can showcase the sport to a whole new audience here in Saudi Arabia.”
Rune, a rising star from Denmark, echoed that sentiment.
“This event is important for the growth of tennis here. It’s great to be part of a project that can inspire young players and I’m excited to see how tennis evolves in Saudi Arabia.”
He said the facilities in Riyadh were top quality, reflecting the country’s commitment to supporting global sport.
With Nadal and Djokovic now in the twilight of their careers — and the other member of the so-called Big Three, Roger Federer, already retired — the Six Kings Slam is a chance for four of the sport’s rising stars to make their mark.
“It’s almost impossible to replicate what the Big Three achieved but my goal is to keep people excited about tennis, to help the sport continue to grow,” Alcaraz said.
Rune said the chance to face two of the game’s greats in Nadal and Djokovic was all the motivation he needed to put on a show.
The Six Kings Slam is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy and become a hub for international events.
