In light of injuries sidelining top players Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for extended periods, the ATP Tour is proposing rule changes aimed at alleviating the demands of the competitive season. Alcaraz missed over four months and skipped two Grand Slam tournaments due to a right wrist injury from April to August. Meanwhile, Sinner has not competed since winning Wimbledon in July and recently announced he would miss the remainder of the year due to inflammation in his right knee.
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ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi presented a plan on Thursday to redistribute ranking points, proposing that players earn more points for progressing to the later stages of larger tournaments. This would include the elimination of a current policy allowing players to replace three lesser results from Masters 1000 events each year with better results from 500-level or 250-level events later in the season. Gaudenzi noted that such policies can compel players to add tournaments after early losses to recover points. The proposed system aims to prioritize results at major events, allowing players to schedule their seasons without the pressure to overcompete.
These changes come as the ATP prepares to introduce a new Masters 1000 event in Saudi Arabia, increasing the total annual number of tournaments at that level to ten. Additionally, player compensation would see a significant rise, with the year-end bonus pool increasing from $21.5 million to $50 million. A new $25 million year-end bonus would also support players ranked in the top 250.
Furthermore, approximately $30 million would be allocated annually for player pensions, enhancing retirement benefits for 300 players each year. Earlier this year, it was reported that starting in 2028, the men’s tour plans to reduce prize money and tournament sizes for doubles matches. Gaudenzi emphasized that any funds redirected from doubles would support player compensation and be reinvested into singles qualifying and early-round prize money, aiding more players in their career pursuits.
These proposals are designed to establish a clearer framework for players to plan their seasons, reward performance at major tournaments, and extend assistance to a greater number of competitors. However, these changes will require further consultation and approval.