The ATP will provide more financial aid for certain players as part of a new trial program set to launch next season.
From the 2024 season, a three-year trial, named Baseline, will launch to help all players make a genuine living from professional tennis. Currently, the plans released by the ATP will cover three 'pillars' including base earnings, injury protection and newcomer investment.
Under the base earnings pillar, the ATP will support players financially if they finish outside the top 250 and earn below $70,000. Moreover, the injury protection element will give aid to participants who play fewer than nine ATP or Challenger tournaments as a result of injury, while the newcomer investment offers up to $200,000 in funding for new players who break into the top 125.
It is estimated that up to 45 players could benefit from the new initiative each season. Players will be eligible for financial support each season based on certain criteria such as their ranking, career prize money earnings, and number of events played.
The move to support ATP players is the latest strategy from the organising body after it planned to give participants ranked 300 or lower minimum wage payments. However, the Baseline initiative appears more concrete and will be rolled out on a permanent basis if it is successful during the trial period between 2024 and 2026.
When responding to the announcement of the strategy, ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said the plan is groundbreaking in terms of financial support for players. In addition, Gaudenzi explained that Baseline is just the start of more potential financial support systems from the ATP.
"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.”
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