For decades, tennis has been defined by its tradition. From the white-clad purity of Wimbledon’s Centre Court to the red clay battles of Roland Garros, the sport has long projected an image of elegance and integrity. 

Yet in recent years, that image has collided with a wave of change. Saudi Arabia, already a major player in football, golf and boxing, is now making a serious move into tennis. 

The question dividing fans and players alike is whether this influx of investment is a lifeline for the sport or another example of sports-washing designed to polish the image of a controversial regime.

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Ben Phillips explores how Saudi Arabia’s arrival in the world of tennis could shake the sport in years to come.