The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) plans to raise player compensation to $350 million by 2028. The package includes bigger bonuses, pension benefits and ranking reforms to address concerns about workload and player welfare.
ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi announced the proposals on Thursday. They come amid growing criticism of the sport’s demanding 11-month season. Players have called for better welfare support, a greater share of revenue and more time to recover between tournaments.
ATP plans bigger bonuses, pensions
Under the proposals, the men’s tour’s bonus pool would rise from $21.5 million to $50 million. The ATP also plans to allocate $25 million to year-end players ranked in the top 250.
Another $30 million would go towards annual pension benefits for 300 players.
“Tennis is in a strong position today,” Gaudenzi wrote in an open letter released on Thursday.
“Our events continue to grow, fans are engaging with the sport in more ways than ever and player earnings have reached record levels. To stay strong, the sport has to keep evolving.
“We have a responsibility to strengthen competition, better align incentives and extend support to more players, helping them to address the costs of competing on the tour.”
The ATP said central player compensation would exceed $100 million from 2028, subject to consultation and approval. Prize money and profit-sharing would bring total compensation to a projected $350 million. The figure excludes Grand Slam prize money.
Ranking, calendar reforms planned
The ATP also wants to give results at its biggest tournaments greater weight in the rankings. The move aims to reduce pressure on players to chase points at other events after poor performances.
Dedicated weeks for different tournament categories would also create a clearer calendar. The new ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Saudi Arabia would form part of the structure.
The organisation plans to review competition formats, including doubles draws. Any prize money reallocated would go towards singles qualifying and early-round payouts.
Players have repeatedly raised concerns about fatigue and injuries. They argue that the packed schedule leaves too little time for recovery.
ATP targets clearer season structure
Gaudenzi said the proposals would help players plan their seasons, reward strong performances at major events and extend support across the tour.
“The next phase is an opportunity to make the season more coherent for players and fans and to ensure that the growth of the sport creates opportunity across the tour,” he said.
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