Alexander Bublik made a really radical proposal to the ATP authorities, telling them the 250 class must be just about eliminated as a result of it does not actually deliver that a lot cash and the gamers do not discover it very fascinating.
Throughout an 11-month season, nearly all of the main-level tournaments are ATP 250’s as there are 35 occasions in that particular class. The ATP calendar additionally contains 13 ATP 500 occasions – 9 Masters tournaments – and the ATP Finals. 4 Grand Slam tournaments are hosted by the ITF.
It’s not a secret that high gamers have been vital of the ATP and WTA calendars over the past couple of years, with many arguing that it is time to shorten it.
Now, Bublik is becoming a member of that dialog. And he has an thought the way to make that work. In accordance with the 27-year-old Kazakh, just about the one acquire gamers can from have the 250 class are factors as a result of there are such a lot of of these occasions. In terms of cash, these tournaments usually are not that worthwhile.
“I feel we shouldn’t be taking part in ATP 250s after they pay the winner 50 grand, which we don’t even really feel as a result of our groups price extra within the week and to journey someplace. I don’t assume we have to play 250 occasions and the Challengers. In order that’s the message to the fellows. It is unnecessary for us, after being 5, seven years on tour, you don’t get a bunch of cash,” Bublik advised Categorical-Sport.
“Until you wish to make additional factors which that’s what I’ve had. I feel I didn’t play many 250s final yr as a result of I wanted the factors, I solely went there for the factors. When it comes to cash, we now have to earn our dwelling and 250s usually are not actually fascinating for gamers.”
Up to now in his profession, the 27-year-old has received 4 titles – he has three ATP 250 trophies and his lone title from the five hundred class got here in Halle final yr.
Earlier than Bublik, Daniil Medvedev additionally had one radical proposal
Throughout final month’s ATP Finals, Medvedev spoke to reporters concerning the schedule and the modifications he would make. When doing so, the 2021 US Open champion defined that he would have a calendar that might revolve across the Grand Slam and Masters tournaments.
In that state of affairs, the Russian some main tournaments can be moved to an earlier date and the ATP Finals would happen in October – not in late November. In terms of the ATP 250 and 500 class, they might be moved to a slot later within the yr and just about optionally available.
“I feel someway there must be, yeah, extra greater, necessary tournaments, which must be like, Okay, these are the tournaments the place we outline who’s going to be high 10, like Masters 1000. You play good in them, you can be there… Yeah, the schedule ought to someway be round them… For those who’re adequate, you end the season in no matter, October, play in Masters. Does not matter. Do not depend the tournaments after,” Medvedev stated.
ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi addressed the scheduling complaints
Over the weekend, Gaudenzi was requested about a number of the complaints which were made regarding the calendar and schedule. Answering the query, the ATP boss recommended that a number of the criticism does not make sense as a result of high gamers competing in exhibitions has turn into a normalcy.
Additionally, Gaudenzi famous that if the season have been to be shortened, it might not be potential with out lowering the variety of ATP 250 occasions. Until you’re a high participant, that most likely wouldn’t be a excellent news to you.
“It’s not like soccer or basketball the place they’re employed by a membership. Our gamers are self-employed and may resolve their schedule. Sure, there may be the rating that makes them must play, nevertheless it relies upon primarily on the large tournaments, the Grand Slams, the Masters 1000 and the ATP Finals. We determined to strengthen the Masters 1000, however on this new format, when you go to the ultimate, you solely play yet another sport in comparison with the outdated one,” Gaudenzi stated.
“As well as, gamers select to play many exhibitions exterior the circuit. We don’t see that in different sports activities. The query is whether or not you wish to spend money on the circuit or exterior the circuit. Cut back the season? Sure, however it’ll then be obligatory to cut back the variety of ATP 250 tournaments. Afterwards, gamers can even resolve to do fewer exhibitions and spend extra time at dwelling to relaxation.”
For now, one factor is certain – the 2025 season will characteristic the identical calendar.
