The “war” over a radical new direction for professional tennis – between the cashed-up Saudis and the four grand slams – is anything but, according to Australian Open boss Craig Tiley in this exclusive interview about the future of the sport.
The “war” over a radical new direction for professional tennis – between the cashed-up Saudis and four grand slams – is anything but, Australian Open boss Craig Tiley says.
A Premier Tour would involve the four grand slams plus 10 other 96-player events for both genders, where the best would face off more often in what Tiley and Sherr described as a streamlined and fan-friendlier calendar.There would also be end-of-year finals at the same venue for men and women, as well as an international teams event.
The ATP has invited the Qataris and Emiratis, as well as Tennis Australia, to lodge a rival bid to the Saudis for the new Masters licence. Tiley’s firm stance is it would be the wrong move to run an Australian Open lead-in event outside the Asia-Pacific region, in part because of climate adaptation.
Sherr echoed Tiley’s statement on the huge chance in front of tennis’ powerbrokers, saying this was “fundamentally the biggest reorganisation in our sport in maybe 50 years or more” if they can convince the ATP and WTA this is the best way forward. Tiley and Sherr shared with this masthead that events would not be lost, as was feared, but that Premier Tour players would not play in competing tournaments in the same week.
However, Tiley said the moment this debate about the sport’s direction became about personalities, it was “doomed”. “Our focus is elevating the sport, delivering more of the sport to more fans, and growing the fan base globally as a result,” Sherr said.“I don’t think we’re as concerned about the grand slams losing lustre or prestige in the process. Our events have incredible history ... I think we’re leveraging one of the great strengths of this sport to raise the sport further.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jordan Spieth says PGA Tour players are ready to meet with SaudisJordan Spieth says player directors from the PGA Tour are close to a meeting with the governor of the Saudi investment group that funds LIV Golf
Read more »
Russia-Ukraine war live: Detention of WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich extended by RussiaJournalist has already been held for a year by Russia with no date set for his trial
Read more »
Ukraine war briefing: Russian ambassador snubs Poland over missile intrusionEU says 500,000 shells delivered, the rest by end of year; ‘billions’ to fix energy systems damaged by Russian attacks. What we know on day 762
Read more »
Gaza war: Israel cancels US trip as Netanyahu fumes over UN ceasefireThe UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza after the US abstained, leading Israel to cancel a high-level visit to Washington.
Read more »
Russia’s weaponising of sexual violence, and Ukraine’s response, reveals a grim war of valuesUkraine’s fight for justice for survivors of terrible sexual crimes shows the battle goes far beyond territory, says Dr Kateryna Busol, a Ukrainian lawyer
Read more »
Ukraine's Battle Against Sexual Violence in WarUkraine's fight against sexual crimes committed during the war with Russia and the normalization of toxic gender hierarchies within Russia's borders.
Read more »