The 2024 Japan Open is one of the few tournaments held outside of China during the Asian hard-court swing, but it still attracts many players who will fight for their share of prize money.
Although most other Asian tournaments are held in China, the Japan Open is one of the most prestigious ATP 500 events on the ATP calendar. The first iteration took place all the way back in 1915.
This year's edition will be held from September 25th to October 1st, during the second week of the Asian swing after the completion of the ATP 250 tournaments at the Chengdu and Hangzhou Open.
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and Stan Wawrinka have all won the Japan Open. Those illustrious names prove how highly regarded the event has been since its inception.
The prize money pot at this year's Japan Open is slightly lower than the $2,013,940 on offer in 2023. However, 2024's $1,818,380 should still be ample incentive for the players on the entry list to fight as hard as they can in Tokyo.
Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Ben Shelton are some of the most notable names on the entry list. Shelton is the defending champion after defeating Aslan Karatsev in last year's final.
This year's Japan Open singles champion will receive a hefty $340,010 for their efforts and 500 ranking points. That could be pivotal for the players on the entry list trying to book their places at the year-end ATP Finals.
The runner-up at the tournament in Tokyo will receive $189,950 and 330 ranking points. Those rewards are a good way for the losing finalist to shake off the disappointment of missing out on the title.
Players who make a solid run to the semifinals are also likely to be happy with the 200 ranking points and $97,510 they will be given for their efforts, which could still make a big difference to someone's season.
One of the brutal realities of the ATP Tour for players is that they are not given ranking points for losing in the first round. However, the opening-round losers will still get $14,185.
The men who lose in the second round will receive 50 ranking points and $26,595, while the reward for quarterfinalists is 100 points and $49,820. There is plenty to play for in the Japanese capital.
The caliber of players on the entry list means it should be an excellent tournament. Shelton thrived in last year's iteration in the speedy conditions, and he will hope the courts play that quickly again.
His compatriot and the recent US Open runner-up Taylor Fritz is another man who should enjoy competing in fast conditions because of his powerful serve and formidable forehand. The fans who buy tickets for the tournament are likely to witness terrific tennis.
| Points | Prize Money | |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | 500 points | $340,010 |
| Finalist | 330 points | $182,950 |
| Semi-finalists | 200 points | $97,510 |
| Quarter-finalists | 100 points | $49,820 |
| 2nd round | 50 points | $26,595 |
| 1st round | 0 points | $14,185 |