'Does That Mean We Merge The Draws?': Kyrgios In Limbo Of Potential ATP & WTA Merger

| by Nurein Ahmed

Nick Kyrgios reacted to the recent news of a possible union between men's and women's governing bodies.

Formal talks are expected to take place in London later this month to discuss the merger amid the emerging threat posed by Saudi Arabia in possibly creating a breakaway tour and taking over the sport, something akin to golf.

Financial obstacles are unlikely to be there as Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is reportedly banking on sports investments as part of a broad plan in their Vision 2030 in order to diversify their economy beyond depending on oil.

So far they have taken major strides in securing multi-billion dollar deals across sports such as wrestling, boxing, F1, and now football. And the theme remains consistent, with their aggressive sports strategy now going after tennis.

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They have fostered ties with the ATP, the men's governing body of professional tennis, securing a prestigious under-21 tournament, the Next Gen ATP Finals, which will take place on Saudi soil for the first time this year and which will do so for the next five seasons.

The ATP is also seriously considering adding an additional Masters 1000 tournament to the calendar that will be held in Saudi Arabia, but scheduling remains a massive hindrance in that aspect. The Gulf nation is also in contention to host the 2023 WTA Finals, rivaling the Czech Republic in the bidding process.

It is tough to know which sides Kyrgios is picking from his recent post on X, as he responded to the news of the merger by asking if that would result in having mixed draws comprised of ATP and WTA players. But Kyrgios has previously stated his desire to see Saudi's involvement in tennis.

Kyrgios' argument was that players will be paid what they deserve. Last year the Australian star played in one of the most lucrative multi-million dollar exhibition tournaments in Saudi Arabia and could not contain his excitement and would gloat about it on social media.

"Does that mean we merge the draws?????"

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