Saudi Arabia ‘in talks over ATP occasion’ with Nadal and Djokovic anticipated to play

The likes of Nick Kyrgios, Cameron Norrie and Stan Wawrinka performed the two-day occasion and world No 3 Daniil Medvedev was topped the champion after three rounds of singles play. But the event drew controversy, with Amnesty International UK condemning Brit Norrie’s decision to play.

Ahead of the Diriyah Tennis Cup final 12 months,  Felix Jakens, Amnesty International UK’s Head of Priority Campaigns, stated: “We were never going to be telling people like Cameron Norrie where they should or shouldn’t play tennis, but by appearing in Diriyah, Cameron should realise he’s effectively being deliberately hired in to take part in the latest jamboree of Saudi sportswashing.”

And there could possibly be extra outcry if high gamers – who the United Cup attracts – descend on Saudi Arabia at first of subsequent season for the workforce occasion. With minimal 250-point tournaments performed on the tour exterior of the United Cup, many might haven’t any alternative however to play the mixed-gender event if they need any matches earlier than the Australian Open.