ATP Announces Increased Prize Money for Players
In a recent announcement from London, the ATP men’s tennis tour revealed that it will distribute an additional $18.3 million in prizes to players based on their performances at the previous year’s nine Masters 1000 tournaments. This allocation is part of a profit-sharing initiative launched in 2022, increasing the total from a $6.6 million bonus paid out to players from Masters events in 2023.
Historic Earnings and Player Concerns
As a result of this enhanced financial initiative, the overall earnings for ATP players will reach a historic high of $261 million in 2024, according to the ATP. However, the format of the expanded Masters series, which features combined men’s and women’s events, larger player draws, and extended tournament schedules, has faced some backlash from competitors who argue that the length is excessive.
This financial boost comes amid growing calls from players for improved compensation and greater influence in the governance of the sport. Notably, the Professional Tennis Players’ Association—an organization co-founded by renowned player Novak Djokovic—filed a class-action antitrust lawsuit in March against key tennis governing bodies, including the ATP, WTA, and International Tennis Federation, accusing them of operating as a “cartel”.
