The final line-up for the inaugural Diriyah Tennis Cup sponsored by Saudi Aramco was announced on Tuesday, confirming 8 world-class players to step on-court in Saudi Arabia for the first time. Eight-time ATP Tour winner French player Gaël Monfils, who is world No. 10, is set to showcase his unique style of play at the three-day tennis tournament, which is being held as part of the Diriyah Season festival, on Dec. 12 to 14 on the outskirts of Riyadh. Monfils will be joined by rising German star Jan-Lennard Struff. Monfils and Struff are the final two to join the list of eight global tennis superstars representing seven different nationalities. Other top players who have already confirmed their participation are Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland, Daniil Medvedev of Russia, Fabio Fogini of Italy, David Goffin of Belgium, John Isner of the US and Lucas Pouille of France The outdoor hard-court tournament will take place at the purpose-built Diriyah Arena, which is also hosting the world heavyweight title rematch between Andy Ruiz Jr. and Anthony Joshua the week before. "Hosting top-tier international tennis in Saudi Arabia for the very first time is another momentous sporting occasion for Saudi Arabia. It is hugely exciting to confirm our final line-up of world class tennis stars from so many different countries that fans in the Kingdom cannot wait to get close to, Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of the General Sports Authority of Saudi Arabia (GSA), said. The Diriyah Tennis Cup will see us reaching new tennis fans and inspiring yet more people to engage in the sport," he added. Peter-Michael Reichel, co-chairman of Basel Sports Group (BSG), the tournament organiser, said: "Our first-year line-up sees an array of world-class international talent coming to Saudi Arabia for the first time. Gael Monfils is one of the biggest entertainers in our sport and the people in Saudi-Arabia will love him for sure. Jan-Lennard Struff played the best tennis of his life in 2019. He is the current German No.2 and has a renowned power game. The fans are in for an unmissable weekend of tennis; the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia." The Diriyah Season is a month-long celebration of sport, entertainment and culture being held on the outskirts of Riyadh. Tickets for all Diriyah Season's spectacular concerts, events and entertainment are available at www.diriyahseason.sa.
