Larger fields of participants, extensive hospitality, improved medical care: On the second level of professional men’s tennis, major changes are imminent.
The organizers of tournaments of the ATP-Challenger-Tour have a lot to look forward to – the players can look forward to in any case. At least that’s how the ATP communicates on its website.
According to this, the size of the participant fields is to be massively reduced as early as next year. Instead of 32 players there will be 48 starting places per tournament. Over an entire season, this would create an additional 2,400 chances of taking part in an ATP Challenger tournament.
In addition, the total prize money is to be increased – even if it will be rather modest with an additional million US dollars over an entire year. However, the organizers must now provide food and lodging for all participants of the main field. In addition, medical care is also to improve.
And also for the better planning of the appearances something is to be done: All tournaments will be held from Monday to Sunday from next year, qualification included.
The Challenger Tour tournaments will be structured like the ATP Tour tournaments: At the highest level there are the categories from 1000 over 500 to 250, depending on how many points the tournament winner takes home. The Challenger events will be divided into 70, 80, 95, 110 and 125 tournaments.
Chris Kermode, head of ATP, is very satisfied. “These significant changes will lead to a real improvement of the ATP Challenger Tour,” says Kermode. “Especially since we have tried to create more earning opportunities for the entry level into professional tennis.”