Cincinnati Open survived Charlotte threat. Could Saudi Arabia be next? [Video]

MASON, Ohio — Ohio taxpayers pledged $130 million last year to keep the Cincinnati Open tennis tournament from relocating to Charlotte, securing its long-term future in Mason, Ohio.

But the sport’s major governing bodies are bringing new wrinkles of risk to that investment by exploring major changes to the global tennis calendar while courting new investments from Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund — which shook up the Professional Golf Association in 2021 by launching the rival LIV Golf Tour — announced a strategic partnership with the ATP Tour in May. That investment followed a push by the sport’s Grand Slam tournaments to establish a new Premier Tour that would concentrate wealth and talent in 14 cities around the globe.

“The great news on that is the Cincinnati Open is one of nine masters series events. We have a seat at the table for every discussion that’s going on, at every level,” said Bob Moran, president of Beemok Sports and …