- Much has been made of Saudi’s investment in both football and the golfing world
- Tennis chiefs hope to avoid the turmoil which is created by Saudi investment
British tennis chiefs have rejected proposals to partner with Saudi Arabia as the Middle East nation attempts to invest in yet another sport.
Founded in 1888, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is the national governing body of tennis in Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund was shaping up for a branding deal on the Queen’s and Eastbourne tournaments before the LTA rejected it.
Following the breakout success of the Saudi Pro League in football and the LIV Golf tour, experts predicted a similar pattern for tennis.
However, the LTA have now since told Telegraph Sport they have flatly rejected all offers.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz pictured celebrating during the Queen’s Club championship in 2023
‘We’ve declined to participate in this sponsorship proposal put to us by the ATP and PIF.’
As well as the LTA rejecting the offer, it is believed a similar approach would have been made by the very cautious All England Club.
International tennis is, however, set to see increased Saudi involvement in the sport.
Following the turmoil created in golf especially, much has been debated about how to avoid this in tennis.
