Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has named Matteo Berrettini as their first tennis ambassador to support it’s objective of ‘elevating the game.’
In a statement issued on Monday, Berrettini’s focus will be on supporting young talent and working closely with emerging players to shape the future of the sport. He will also be involved in helping promote ‘inclusivity within tennis’ and creating opportunities for players of all levels. The goals are in line with the PIF’s mission of global sports development through investment and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
“A great partnership is built on shared values and shared goals. That’s why I’m so proud to announce that I am now a picked tennis ambassador,” Berrettini said in a video posted on Monday.
“I feel really proud and honored. I think it’s something that goes beyond tennis, not just my tennis career, but make tennis and other sports bigger and better and more accessible to older people around the world.”
The PIF is the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia that achieved a profit of 138.1 billion riyals ($36.81 billion) in 2023, according to Reuters news agency. It has invested heavily in sports over recent years and now owns the LIV golf series, as well as having a majority stake in the Premier League team Newcastle United. In tennis, they are currently a platinum partner for the ATP and a Global Partner for the WTA.
“One of my roles is to inspire the next generation, the youth, the kids, together with PIF, I’m going to be able to do that,” Berrettini continued.
“This is one of the greatest things that can be done.
“Tennis is a really tough sport, especially when you’re a kid. When you’re young, you know you need support. And I was lucky enough to have my family behind me and so many players that don’t have that opportunity.
“So to find a partner like PIF is going to help them to reach their full potential.”
The PIF has faced accusations of sportswashing which is the term used to describe the practice of a country staging sports events to help improve its image that has been damaged by wrongdoing. Saudi Arabia has been criticized for their human rights records, particularly concerning women and the LGBT community.
No details have been provided about how long the partnership deal has been agreed for or the value. Berrettini is currently ranked 34th in the world and has won 10 ATP titles so far in his career. He also reached the final of the 2021 Wimbledon championship before losing to Novak Djokovic.
