LONDON — In a remarkable move, the ATP men’s tennis tour is set to distribute an additional $18.3 million in prize money to players, reflecting their achievements at last year’s nine Masters 1000 tournaments, following a profit-sharing initiative rolled out in 2022.
On Thursday, the ATP announced that this forthcoming amount significantly surpasses the $6.6 million profit-sharing bonus awarded to Masters events in 2023.
With the integration of this profit-sharing sum, total earnings for ATP players in 2024 are poised to hit a historical high of $261 million, according to the ATP’s statement.
However, the expanded Masters tour—featuring simultaneous men’s and women’s events, larger draws, and extended tournament schedules—has faced backlash from athletes who argue that the competition is becoming excessively lengthy.
This situation unfolds against a backdrop of rising demands from some players for increased financial compensation and a greater influence over the sport.
The Professional Tennis Players’ Association, co-founded by Novak Djokovic, launched a class-action antitrust lawsuit in March against the ATP, the WTA women’s tour, the International Tennis Federation, and the International Tennis Integrity Agency, labeling them a “cartel.”
