The schedule for the final session at the season-ending ATP Finals has been altered so that matches don't clash with the start of the football World Cup.
An ATP statement announced a change to match start times for the final night time session in Turin in order to 'maximise the global reach of the final match of the ATP Tour season.'
Both events are set for Sunday, November 20 and the ATP hope that by delaying the men's final, they can retain viewers from around the world.
In a statement, the ATP said: "The change has been made to avoid a direct clash between the singles final and the opening game of the FIFA World Cup, which was recently rescheduled to 5 p.m. CET on the same day. The revised schedule will maximise the global reach of the final match of the ATP Tour season for fans tuning in worldwide. All scheduling for the prior days of the tournament remains unaffected."
The doubles final will now begin at 4pm CET with the singles contest not starting anytime before 7pm CET. This had previously been set for a 5pm start until FIFA, football's governing body, announced the opening football match would kick off at 5pm.
However, the news has received criticism from some as the ATP also revealed they will not be giving refunds to those who can no longer attend as a result of the time change.
The singles final of the ATP Finals has been pushed back by two hours to avoid a clash with the rescheduled opening game of the World Cup. It took the ATP two months to make this change, yet they are refusing to offer refunds for any ticketholders who now cannot attend.
Nitto ATP Finals: Adjustment to schedule on Sunday 20 November. For more information, click here.
The statement added: "No, refunds will not be offered. Events of this nature occasionally require scheduling adjustments due to operational reasons, and the terms and conditions of purchase clearly contain a specific clause addressing such situations."
The 2022 football World Cup, traditionally held in the summer months, is taking place in the winter for the first time in the competitions history due to the high temperatures in host nation Qatar.
