The ATP Tour has announced that Masters 1000 events in Canada and Cincinnati will be extended to 12-day tournaments starting next year. This decision comes after the success of similar expansions at the Italian Open, Madrid Open, and Shanghai Masters last year. With seven out of nine Masters tournaments now being held over 12 days, players and fans can look forward to a more robust and engaging experience.
In addition to the expansion of Masters 1000 events, the ATP Tour will also see an increase in ATP 500 tournaments. The number of ATP 500 events will rise from 13 to 16, with tournaments in Dallas, Doha, and Munich being upgraded from ATP 250 events. This expansion aims to provide players with more opportunities to compete at a higher level and gain valuable ranking points.
Global Reach of ATP Tour
The ATP Tour will host a total of 60 tournaments across 29 countries next year, showcasing the global reach of professional tennis. ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi emphasized the importance of creating the best possible experience for fans and building on the success of the previous season, which saw a record five million fans attending events in person. This growth indicates a positive trend in the sport with untapped potential waiting to be unlocked.
Some notable changes to the ATP Tour calendar include the rescheduling of the ATP 500 event in Hamburg from July to May. Additionally, the ATP 250 event in Cordoba Open will be relocated to Mallorca as part of the build-up to Wimbledon. However, the ATP 250 event in Estoril, which has been operating under an ATP license since 2015, will not be on the calendar next year. The prestigious ATP Finals will take place in Turin, while the Next Gen ATP Finals will return to Jeddah for a third consecutive year.
Overall, the enhancements to the ATP Tour calendar for next year promise an exciting and dynamic season for players, fans, and organizers alike. With extended tournament durations, increased opportunities for players to compete, and a focus on delivering top-notch experiences for fans, the ATP Tour continues to elevate the standard of professional tennis on a global stage. As the sport evolves and grows, these strategic changes pave the way for a more engaging and competitive future for tennis enthusiasts worldwide.