“Keep driving forward”: First player publicly supports ATP/PIF partnership

Stan Wawrinka became the first ATP player to publicly support the recently announced strategic partnership between the ATP Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Earlier this week it was announced in a press statement that the ATP would be entering a multi-year partnership with the Saudi PIF, one which involved commitments such as naming rights for the ATP rankings as well as the Next Gen ATP Finals, Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid and Beijing tournaments.

The move has generated controversy, with critics labeling the partnership yet another example of Saudi Arabia ‘sports washing’ in order to detract attention from their poor human rights record at home.

However, Wawrinka was unfazed by the concerns, posting a message in support of the partnership on his X account today.

“Keep driving forward ATP Tour,” the former world No 3 stated, before emphasising that the union would be “bringing value to the players.”

The post has already attracted some negative responses online, with the statement being called “not Stan’s finest moment.”

While the Swiss player is among the first to overtly endorse the new strategic partnership between the ATP and PIF, he’s far from the only player to pick a side. In January, Rafael Nadal was announced as a brand ambassador for Saudi tennis, while Novak Djokovic and three other Grand Slam winners all agreed to play a new exhibition to be hosted by the nation.