The ATP Tour is considering implementing rule changes to alleviate the strain on players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have faced extended absences due to injuries this season. Alcaraz was sidelined for 4 1/2 months with a right wrist injury, missing two Grand Slams from April to August, while Sinner, the top-ranked player, has been out of action since winning Wimbledon in July, announcing his decision to sit out the remainder of the year due to a right knee issue.
ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi unveiled a plan to adjust ranking point distribution, aiming to allocate more points to players who advance to the later stages of major tournaments. The proposal includes eliminating a policy that allowed players to substitute weaker results from Masters 1000 events with better outcomes from 500-level or 250-level events later in the season, which often led to players feeling compelled to enter additional tournaments to compensate for early losses.
These changes are being proposed as the ATP plans to introduce a new Masters 1000 event in Saudi Arabia, increasing the number of such tournaments to 10 annually. Player compensation is also set to rise, with the year-end bonus pool increasing from $21.5 million to $50 million US and a new year-end bonus for players in the top 250 rankings, providing $25 million in career support.
Additionally, a yearly player pension contribution of around $30 million is on the table, enhancing retirement benefits for 300 players each year. Earlier this year, news surfaced that the ATP intends to reduce prize money and tournament sizes for doubles starting in 2028, with reallocated funds aimed at boosting player compensation and improving singles qualifying and early-round prize money.
Gaudenzi emphasized that these proposed changes are designed to offer players a more structured season plan, recognize performance at major events, and extend support to a larger player base. The proposals are pending further consultation and approval.