ESPN Tennis Analyst Brad Gilbert Urges Grand Slams to ‘Wake Up’ as Andre Gaudenzi Accepts Saudi’s Tempting Deal – EssentiallySports

As if the excitement of the Indian Wells 2024 was not enough, the tennis world is now buzzing about the offer that Saudi Arabia recently made. While the country has now extended an opportunity to uplift tennis just like their previous moves with other tours, members of the tennis community have varied opinions. Taking it as an opportunity to point to the grand slams, Brad Gilbert recently shared an alarming perspective.

Coco Gauff’s coach deeply analyzed the positive aspects that the deal could bring in for players as well as for the tours. “This is a players’ decision on how they’re going to move forward,” Gilbert mentioned, explaining that the effects can be subjective for the players.

Saudi Arabia’s offer isn’t just limited to the tennis world. While the country has been building a grip over multiple sports worldwide, it has a strong history of uplifting other sports like boxing, UFC, Formula One, and golf. Brad Gilbert used this as an example to strengthen his narrative, saying, “They’re taking, and doing it in boxing, UFC, Formula One, golf has done it.”

Following that, Gauff’s coach also mentioned how this is the time when the sport should grab the opportunity and plan for a head start. “Listen, if they don’t have this offer right now from Saudi Arabia, maybe this doesn’t wake up the grand slams or wake up the other tournaments to get something going,” he added.

As Brad Gilbert explained his perspective on the situation, he not only made it easier for the players to grasp the benefits that the deal could bring but also alarmed the authorities about how it was the perfect opportunity to awaken the grand slams.

Saudi Arabia’s deal triggers Australian Open Boss’ anger

Besides giving new hope to many members of the tennis community, Saudi Arabia’s offer also seems to be creating chaos in the tennis world. According to some reports, Saudi Arabia, in the recently offered deal, also proposed a plan to organize a Masters 1000 tournament at the start of the tennis season.

This event would directly compete with the mixed-gender United Cup team competition, traditionally held in Australia before the Australian Open. Craig Tiley, the head of Tennis Australia, seems to be affected by the decision, as he mentioned that he “strongly disagrees” with this plan. As the discussions continue to move ahead, it remains to be seen if all the four grand slams welcome the opportunity or not.