ATP announced on Tuesday that their newly launched “Baseline” programme will guarantee minimum income for the top 250-ranked singles players each season, with the ATP covering any shortfall should their earnings fall below the threshold.
For 2024, the levels are set at $300,000 for the top 100, $150,000 for those ranked 101st to 175th, and $75,000 for those between 176th and 250th in the world.
As part of the ATP's new Baseline program, those who play less than nine tournaments in a season across the ATP Tour and Challenger Circuits because of injury will also receive a minimum wage in an attempt to prevent players from returning too early and risking their health to make a living. In this situation, players ranked in the top 100 will receive at least $200k, those between 101-175 will be assured of $100k, and 176-250-ranked players will be guaranteed a safety net of $50k.
The ATP said it expected to provide financial support to between 30 and 45 players who meet the criteria.
“This assurance will empower players to plan their seasons with greater certainty, focus on their game and invest in their teams,” the ATP said in a statement. “This includes covering the expenses of coaches and personal physios as well as travel.”
The third pillar of the Baseline programme, Newcomer Investment, provides an additional boost to up-and-coming players as they push on in their professional tennis journey. These rising stars will have 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. This will facilitate players’ investment into their teams and resources as they break onto the ATP Tour.
Many players endured severe financial struggles during the COVID pandemic when the season was temporarily halted, prompting big names like Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic to call for a solution.
