ATP chief Andrea Gaudenzi has outlined various reforms for 2028 in an open letter.
The ATP is planning a major overhaul of its system for 2028. Tour chief Andrea Gaudenzi has outlined the next phase of the OneVision strategy in an open letter: higher prize money, a revamped ranking system and a clearer tournament structure are intended to reduce the burden on professional players.
The proposals still need to be approved by the relevant ATP committees. Gaudenzi explained: “We have a responsibility to strengthen competition, better align incentives and extend support to more players so that they can cope with the costs of everyday life on the Tour.”
At the heart of the plan is a significantly larger financial safety net. The bonus pool is set to rise from 21.5 to 50 million US dollars. In addition, there would be US$25 million in bonuses paid out at the end of the season to the top 250 in the world rankings, as well as around US$30 million annually for the pension schemes of 300 players. This would mean that, from 2028, the ATP’s core support would exceed the US$100 million mark per year; including prize money and revenue shares, the Tour expects total remuneration to reach US$350 million – excluding the independently organised Grand Slams.
Tennis boss plans major changes
The world rankings are also set to reflect results at the most important tournaments more closely. The ATP aims to reduce the incentive to play as many additional events as possible in pursuit of points following an early exit or a disappointing week.
Specific changes to the points allocation system are yet to be finalised. At the same time, the calendar is to be made clearer by allocating fixed weeks to individual tournament categories – not least with a view to the tenth Masters 1000 tournament in Saudi Arabia.
“Incentives, not obligations: the players decide where and when they compete, and the structure must ensure that the best decision is also the most economically sensible one,” wrote Gaudenzi. In addition, the ATP is reviewing adjustments to formats and to the doubles competition. Any reallocations are intended to benefit the players, for example by increasing prize money in the qualifying rounds and the early singles rounds. The Player Advisory Council, the Tournament Advisory Council and the ATP Board, amongst others, are due to discuss the package.
