Navone Accuses ATP of 'Boycotting' South America's Golden Swing

His comments underscore mounting pressure created by Masters expansion, a proposed Saudi event, a congested calendar.

Overview

Argentinian No. 72 Mariano Navone called recent ATP decisions “weird” and “controversial” and said he feels the tour is boycotting the South American clay stretch.
The current Golden Swing comprises the Argentina Open (ATP 250), Rio Open (ATP 500) and Chile Open (ATP 250), all staged in February to early March.
Despite long-term uncertainty, the 2026 calendar lists Buenos Aires for Feb 9–15, Rio de Janeiro for Feb 16–22, and Santiago for Feb 23–Mar 1.
Criticism intensified after Doha, Dallas and Munich were elevated from ATP 250 to ATP 500 beginning in 2025, a move seen by some as sidelining South America.
Expanded 96‑player Masters draws and a planned Saudi Masters 1000 from 2028 are cited as pressures that could force calendar shifts, with backers framing the new event as a growth investment.