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Diriyah Tennis Cup: Big money beckons in Saudi Arabia

In a few days, a not uncontroversial exhibition event will take place in Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, a not insignificant part of the world elite is honored. There are also financial reasons for this.

by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Dec 05, 2022, 05:09 pm

Also present in Saudi Arabia: Daniil Medvedev
© Getty Images
Also present in Saudi Arabia: Daniil Medvedev

There was $1,300,000 for the finalist at the US Open 2022, $2,600,000 went to the winner's account. The Grand Slam events, they always attract not only with the most important trophies in the calendar year, but also with a huge cash injection for the successful players. And that starts in the early rounds, after all, $80,000 was up for grabs for a first-round elimination.

It's a little different at the Diriyah Tennis Cup in Saudi Arabia: there the players' performances are only rewarded after they have reached the semi-finals, but it can be assumed that the journey to Saudi Arabia caused a moderate rain of money for the twelve players. There is no other way to explain that with Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev, Nick Kyrgios and and and a not insignificant part of the world's top players in Saudi Arabia.

Controversial host

In addition, there are sums for the top performers, who are quite rare at an exhibition event: the semi-finalists receive $ 250,000, and the finalists receive $ 500,000. And the great champion? He collects a whopping million for petty cash. In any case, the financial aspect does not only play a subordinate role in the big exhibition in Saudi Arabia. And he should probably also conceal the highly controversial status of the host.

In any case, the tennis world elite travels diligently to Saudi Arabia, primarily - according to Zverev at least in a recent interview with the organizer - because it is so good for the 2022 season preparation. And because there is such strong competition there that you have to measure yourself against. By the way, this has been complete since the weekend: Matteo Berrettini and Hubert Hurkacz will also be in Saudi Arabia from December 8th to 10th.

by Michael Rothschädl

Monday
Dec 05, 2022, 05:45 pm
last edit: Dec 05, 2022, 05:09 pm