Nick Kyrgios gleefully reacts as Saudi Arabia ‘in talks to purchase tennis’
Kyrgios is among the most high-profile gamers to react to the news. The Australian has beforehand complained concerning the pay supplied to the elite within the males’s recreation.
However, the 27-year-old believes that PIF “sees the value” in tennis and can pay stars what they “deserve to be paid”. Kyrgios excitedly tweeted concerning the replace on Monday night.
Typing in caps-lock, the previous Wimbledon finalist beamed: “FINALLY. THEY SEE THE VALUE. WE ARE GOING TO GET PAID WHAT WE DESERVE TO GET PAID. SIGN ME UP.”
Kyrgios’ phrases had been accompanied by 10 moneybag emojis. The outspoken Aussie is the primary skilled males’s tennis participant to publicly advocate for the Saudis shopping for a stake within the ATP.
Gaudenzi has warned PIF that tennis’s historical past should be revered and there can’t be a repeat of the state of affairs that noticed the Saudi sovereign wealth fund create a brand new golf tour, LIV Golf, to rival the PGA Tour. Both excursions have since struck a deal to successfully merge.
In a significant warning to PIF, the ATP head advised the Financial Times: “You have to preserve something which is almost sacred, the rules of the game. This is not a video game, this is not a movie.”
PIF has invested closely in sport over the previous couple of years and continues to plough cash into soccer, golf, boxing and different occasions. Critics have accused PIF of being a automobile for the nation to enhance its popularity via sports activities washing as a result of Saudi Arabia has been criticised for its poor human rights document.
The nation doesn’t presently have an everyday event on the ATP Tour however has beforehand held exhibition occasions. It is believed to be one of many bidders to host the Next Gen Finals later this 12 months.
Last 12 months, it was revealed that Andy Murray had turned down a multimillion supply to play in Saudi Arabia. “He’s turned down stuff in Saudi and I don’t think he would play there just because of what’s gone on,” Murray’s agent, Matt Gentry, mentioned.
“If he feels strongly about something regardless, he’s at the stage where he will happily call it out and he will have that debate with people. I don’t think he’s scared to voice his opinion on it.”