ATP Reform Proposal: Player Compensation Targets $350M, Bonus Pool Doubles, Aiming to Win the Next Generation of Fans
Recently, ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi released an open letter proposing a package of measures to strengthen the Tour starting in 2028, through tighter coordination of compensation, rankings and the calendar, so that top players appear more often on the biggest stages and fans have more opportunities to see them.
The proposal is not yet finalized; the final version will be submitted for review at the year-end meetings in Turin in November.
Above: Andrea Gaudenzi © Marco Canoniero/Psnewz
Compensation: Bonus pool doubled to $50 million
ATP intends to invest a unified more than $100 million annually starting in 2028, plus on-site prize money and event profit sharing, with total player compensation excluding Grand Slams projected to reach $350 million per year.
The bonus pool will increase from $21.5 million to $50 million, rewarding players who commit to the Tour's most important events.
A year-end ranking bonus will be established for players in the top 250 of the year-end PIF ATP Rankings, providing $25 million in career subsidies to cover participation costs at this level.
Approximately $30 million will be contributed annually to player pensions, enhancing pension and retirement benefits for 300 players.
Rankings: Greater weight for major events, fewer extra tournaments to defend points
ATP will improve the ranking system to increase the weight of major event results over the season and reduce the incentive for players to over-compete (adding extra tournaments, chasing points to defend) after poor results.
Andrea Gaudenzi wrote in the letter: "Rewards should follow where fan attention is highest." The letter did not specify point values.
Calendar: Dedicated weeks by category, Saudi Arabia becomes 10th Masters
Optimize the Tour calendar, establish a clearer season structure, and set dedicated event category weeks to help players plan their seasons and adjust schedules as the season progresses.
According to Tennis Majors, the proposal under discussion is 10 weeks for ATP 250, 8 weeks for ATP 500, and 10 Masters events, while reducing the overall number of 250-level events.
The previously announced addition of a 10th ATP 1000 Masters event in Saudi Arabia has been included in the 2028 plan, alongside Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome, Canada, Cincinnati, Shanghai and Paris.
At the same time, players can still set their own schedules and are free to participate in any Tour event. The letter summarizes this principle as "incentive rather than obligation."
Doubles: Prize money expected to be redirected to singles qualifying
ATP is studying adjustments to the doubles format and draw size. The goal is to enhance the sustainability of doubles and its standing on the Tour.
Prize money redistributed from doubles will be dedicated to player compensation and is expected to supplement singles qualifying and early-round prize money, helping more players invest in their careers and compete alongside the world's top players.
Andrea Gaudenzi said: "Our focus right now is the ATP Tour, but our ambition goes further: ensuring tennis wins the competition for the next generation of fans." He said that for fans, this means seeing top players compete more often, with rivalries throughout the year and key matches carrying more weight.
| Source: Official press release
| Image source: Tournament official website