Riyadh, Estoril & Monte Carlo.. oh my!

GM. This is Ad-Out Tennis, where we unwrap tennis news like a fresh pack of gum on the school bus - everyone wants a piece.

Here’s what we got for you today:

• WTA Finals 2024-2026 in Riyadh

• Officiating Gone Wild at Estoril

• Bracket Busters in Monte Carlo

👇 Listen: Nick Kyrgios & Frances Tiafoe discuss making 🎾 more popular and entertaining. This was a fun one!

SAUDI’S BIG TENNIS BAG

Riyadh, Here We Go!

Listen up, fellow tennis fanatics. We’re flying into a sensitive topic this week so buckle-up.

The WTA finals will be hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 2024 - 2026. I thought this was good news, but not too many folks agree with me. The remarks and comments are kind of harsh. Check out some of them here:

The concerns of human rights and gender equality are valid. But I think this move actually presents a pretty cool opportunity to drive change and empower women through tennis. Some key takeaways:

• Saudi Tennis Federation is committed to offering a record-breaking $15.25M USD in prize money for the 2024 Finals (HUGE step in bridging the gender pay gap in tennis).

• Record prize money sends a message about values placed on women’s achievements in tennis - respect, quality, and empowerment

• Potential to inspire a new generation of young girls in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East

I get this decision carries both risks and opportunities. However, through open dialogue and a mutual commitment to make this event a force for good, I think this will drive progress towards a more equitable world for everyone.

ATP 🤝 PIF

It’s OFFICIAL. The ATP entered a multi-year partnership with Saudi’s PIF in a strategic move to help bolster the sport.

Along with bringing the Next Gen ATP Finals to Jeddah through 2027, here are some key callouts:

• PIF will contribute to ATP’s OneVision Plan - driving unity, enhancing fan experience, and improving growth opportunities

• Enhance experience for players, fans, tournament organizers and stakeholders at all levels

• Committing to developing and boosting tennis locally with state-of-the-art facilities, coaching, and enhanced player pathways

Say what you will about the Saudi’s heavy investments into tennis, but I’m lovin it (cue McDonald’s jingle) 

OFFICIATING GONE WILD

Estoril Open Madness

How do you win a point after hitting hitting the ball out twice? Have chair umpire, Christian Rask, officiate your game! JK!

Jokes aside, this was terrible for EVERYONE involved. So what happened?

In the second set, with Borges serving at break point down, a fan screamed “out” (they were rooting for Borges) after Borges returned a deep ball from Garin. On the very next shot, Garin hit the ball out wide into the alley.

Normally, the point would be awarded to Borges. But it was not a normal day in Estoril and the chair umpire awarded the point to Garin.. WTF?!

Yeah.. everyone is confused. Fans and players reacted to the crazy scene:

In my opinion, this chair umpire should be investigated.. 🤔

MONTE CARLO UPSETS BREWING

Falling Seeds in Monte Carlo

I love upsets in sporting events. Watching overly confident players getting whooped is like a chef’s kiss.. and in this weeks Monte Carlo, I’m keeping my eyes on Nico Jarry to make a run.

I also have an early upset alert 🚩on Alex de Minaur.. I love watching him play but he’s just not that guy on clay courts.

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