The global governing body of men’s professional tennis ATP has announced it is to launch a financial security programme for players in 2024 as part of a three-year trial.
Its Baseline programme has been designed to ensure a greater number of players can make a sustainable living from the sport. The 2024-26 trial period will serve as an initial proof of concept, with the potential to expand funding in the future.
Its first pillar, Guaranteed Base Earnings, will guarantees minimum income levels for the Top 250-ranked singles players each season. If a player’s prize money earnings fall below the guaranteed threshold, ATP will cover the shortfall. For the 2024 season, these levels will be set at $300,000 (£236,781) for the top 100 players, $150,000 (£118,390) for those ranked 101-175 and $75,000 (£59,195) for those ranked 176-250. This includes covering the expenses of coaches and personal physiotherapists, as well as travel.
The second pillar, Injury Protection, will provide financial support to players who play fewer than nine ATP Tour and Challenger Tour events in a season due to injury. This includes thresholds set at $200,000 (£157,854) for the top 100, $100,000 (£78,927) for those ranked 101-175 and $50,000 (£39,463) for those ranked 176-250.
The third pillar, Newcomer Investment, provides a boost to new players through access to $200,000 of funding upon breaking into the Top 125 for the first time, paid in advance of the following season and offset against prize money earnings.
ATP expects between 30 and 45 players to receive financial support through Baseline each season, with eligibility based on a range of criteria, such as a player’s ranking, career prize money earnings, and number of events played.
Andrea Gaudenzi, chairman of the ATP, said: “We’re beyond excited to introduce Baseline. This initiative is a complete shift in the way tennis approaches player finances. It represents our commitment to the players and their careers, fostering an environment where they can thrive and elevate the sport. It is also just the start of what we hope to achieve. Our ambition is to expand this game-changing initiative in the years to come.”