Home / Sports / ATP Eases Player Schedule: Fewer Required Tournaments Announced
ATP Eases Player Schedule: Fewer Required Tournaments Announced
8 Jan
Summary
- ATP reduces mandatory ATP 500 events from five to four annually.
- Maximum events for ranking points cut from 19 to 18.
- New rule allows parents to retain points when taking parental leave.
The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) has implemented changes to its tournament schedule, responding to player concerns about an increasingly demanding workload. Effective immediately, players will be required to participate in one less ATP 500 event annually, reducing the obligation from five to four tournaments. Furthermore, the calculation for ranking points will now consider a maximum of 18 events, down from 19, offering greater flexibility.
In a move to support players' personal lives, a new rule ensures that participants who withdraw from a tournament due to the birth or adoption of a child will retain their accrued ranking points. This policy change aims to prevent players from falling in the rankings and needing to play additional tournaments to qualify for events like the ATP Finals. This adjustment comes amidst ongoing discussions about player welfare and the impact of extensive travel and competition.
The ATP also confirmed the expansion of video review technology to ATP 500 events in 2026 and ATP 250 events in 2027. A new Heat Rule will be implemented across all ATP events, establishing clear protocols for suspending or modifying play during extreme weather conditions. These measures collectively reflect the ATP's commitment to improving player conditions and the overall integrity of the tour.
