The ATP Buenos Aires could become an ATP 500 on hard court in 2029

Iker Jiménez | 11 Jun 2026 | 09.35

The ATP Buenos Aires could become an ATP 500 on hard court in 2029.

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South American tennis could be very close to experiencing one of the most significant changes in recent decades. The ATP 250 in Buenos Aires, one of the most emblematic tournaments on the Latin American clay court circuit, is about to change ownership, and its future could be very different from what it has been until now.

According to information from the Argentine newspaper La Nación, signed by journalist Sebastián Torok, the ATP, with the backing of Saudi funds, is very close to finalizing the purchase of the Argentina Open. The operation would already be approved, with only the final signature pending, delayed due to tax issues. The tournament would continue to be held at the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club, where there is a valid contract until 2033, although in the medium term, it would undergo a significant remodeling.

The ATP Buenos Aires would become an ATP 500 on hard court starting in 2029

The information published by La Nación indicates that the ATP's intention would be to enhance its new asset in the calendar. To achieve this, the tournament would rise in category, moving from 250 to 500, as well as abandoning the clay court to be played on hard court starting in 2029. The change would be related to the restructuring that the circuit plans to carry out in 2028 with the arrival of the new Masters 1000 in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, this decision would also align with the desire of the ATP 500 in Rio de Janeiro, which has long sought to change its surface to attract a greater number of top-level players.

The transformation would require a significant investment. It would be necessary to build new hard courts to replace the current clay courts, as well as modernize the facilities of the historic Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club. Among the planned improvements would be the renovation of the central court, which will celebrate a hundred years of history, as well as the expansion of commercial areas, hospitality spaces, and areas dedicated to fans. Currently, the current company would continue to manage the tournament until 2033, although the ownership of the license would transfer to the ATP.

Alcaraz's Thoughts on the South American Tour This Year

The possibility of one of the major South American tournaments moving away from clay courts has been a recurring topic of conversation within the circuit for some time. This year, during the Miami Masters 1000, Carlos Alcaraz was asked about his experience on the South American tour. "The South American tour is beautiful, although also very, very tough, due to the schedule, the weather, everything... but it's beautiful. People are very passionate about tennis; the fans are amazing, they supported me a lot, which is fantastic," he commented.

The Spaniard also acknowledged that several players had expressed concern to him about potential changes in the calendar and surfaces. "I've heard several players, especially South Americans, saying they shouldn't change it and that they shouldn't switch surfaces. When I went there, I loved it. To those players who haven't been, I would say that at least once in their lives, they should live that experience. The truth is, it's one of the most beautiful experiences that I've had on tours."

Pending the official announcement of the operation, the information revealed by La Nación suggests that South American tennis could face a historic transformation. A change that would alter one of the most distinctive tours on the circuit.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El ATP Buenos Aires podría pasar a ser un ATP 500 en pista dura en 2029

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