ATP details reform plan for 2028 with Rankings and calendar changes

Men’s professional tennis faces a sweeping overhaul by 2028 under a reform plan detailed by ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi. The structural changes target player compensation, tournament scheduling, and the core ranking system.

Andrea Gaudenzi Outlines New Era for Tour

The proposed changes emerge as the ATP approaches the final weeks of the 2026 season. Gaudenzi circulated a detailed letter outlining the next development phase of the OneVision strategic framework, which requires subsequent consultation and formal approval before implementation. The initiative builds upon three foundational principles: aligning rewards with fan interest, reducing the pressure of playing in excess, and establishing competitive incentives that remain optional for players.

Total ATP financial commitments to players—excluding the Grand Slam tournaments—are projected to reach 350M$ by 2028. This figure encompasses direct compensation, prize money pools, and profit-sharing distributions originating from participating tournaments. The governing body plans to contribute more than 100 million dollars in 2028.

Restructuring Player Compensation and Bonus Pools

Financial reforms are divided into three distinct mechanisms designed to support athletes. The ATP Bonus Pool will expand from 21,5M$ to 50M$, directing rewards toward competitors who commit to the tour’s highest-category events.

A new end-of-season ranking bonus will allocate 25M$ to athletes who finish inside the Top 250 of the PIF ATP Rankings. This fund is intended to help players face the costs that come with competing on the Tour. Additionally, approximately 30M$ will be directed annually toward a player pension plan, improving the pension and benefits of 300 players each year.

Modifying Rankings and Tournament Calendars

The ranking system will undergo updates so that results in the biggest tournaments of the calendar have more weight throughout the season, reducing the pressure of playing in excess on players after a bad result.

Tour scheduling will feature clearer structures and weeks of specific tournament categories to assist athletes with season planning. As part of these efforts, the ATP announced the inclusion of a 10th ATP Masters 1000 event in Saudi Arabia, expanding the footprint of the tour’s premier tier.

Adjusting Doubles Formats and Early-Round Earnings

Competition formats, including potential adjustments in the doubles draws, are under review with the objective of improving the sustainability of doubles and its role in the circuit. Any prize money reallocated from the doubles would remain destined for player compensation, and the plan is for it to be reinvested in singles qualifying phases and early-round prize money to help more players invest in their careers.

The final reform package will undergo continued consultation with the Player Council, the Tournament Council, and the ATP Board. A definitive proposal will be presented for evaluation during the season-ending meetings in Turin.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2028 ATP Reform

When will the ATP 2028 reform plan take effect?

The proposed changes are planned to be carried out from 2028, pending formal review and approval by tour stakeholders at the end-of-season meetings in Turin.

What is happening to the ATP Bonus Pool?

The ATP Bonus Pool will increase from 21,5M$ to 50M$ to reward players committed to the tour’s biggest tournaments.

How will the new ranking system affect players?

The updated ranking distribution will place more weight on results in the biggest tournaments of the calendar throughout the season, reducing the pressure of playing in excess on players.

What financial support is planned for lower-ranked players?

A new 25M$ end-of-season bonus will target players finishing in the Top 250 of the PIF ATP Rankings to help players face the costs of competing on the circuit.