Gaudenzi on a Masters 1000 in Saudi Arabia: "It won't happen before 2028".

The ATP boss has admitted that a tenth Masters 1000 could be created in Saudi Arabia in the future. But the option is still just a rumour.

Saudi Arabia is playing an increasingly important role in the world of tennis. The Middle Eastern country recently hosted the WTA Finals in Riyadh and the Six Kings Slam exhibition tournament. And in December, it will host the Next Gen Masters in Jeddah for the second year running.

When asked about the subject, Andrea Gaudenzi made no secret of the fact that Saudi Arabia could host a Masters 1000 in the years to come: "If it happens, it won't be before 2028. There's work to be done on the infrastructure, which could take some time. The other Masters 1000s are not in danger.

We have an open approach with the Saudis, we listen to their ideas. They want to invest in tennis and help us. We want to build bridges, not barriers.

When I first played in Doha and Dubai in the 90s, things were different, but they've come a long way. Saudi Arabia has this desire for change."