Tennis stars call for change surrounding funding models

In a significant development for the world of professional tennis, Australian tennis stars Nick Kyrgios and John Millman have offered their perspectives on the recently unveiled funding initiative by the ATP Tour.

The ATP Tour made headlines on Wednesday with its announcement of a pioneering financial security program, set to come into effect in 2024. This program is geared towards providing much-needed support to players within the top 250 rankings, ensuring not only a minimum annual income but also a safety net in case of injury-related setbacks.

A key facet of this initiative involves extending financial aid to emerging talents who ascend into the top 125 positions globally. Referred to as the ‘Baseline’ scheme, this innovative framework guarantees players a baseline income that corresponds to their ranking. Moreover, the ATP has pledged to bridge the gap in prize money earnings if they fall short of the specified minimums.

For the upcoming 2024 season, the “guaranteed threshold” for players within the top 100 echelon is set at $463,000 AUD. For those ranked between 101 and 175, the amount adjusts to $231,000 AUD, and a minimum of $150,000 AUD is assured for players within the remaining top 250 bracket.

However, this promising financial initiative has met with skepticism from Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios. In response to a tweet detailing the salary figures, Kyrgios succinctly expressed his reservations, stating, “Lol still not enough.”

Echoing Kyrgios’ sentiments, fellow Australian player John Millman shed light on the economic realities faced by professional tennis players, particularly in terms of the substantial expenses associated with competing on the circuit. Millman underlined, “The difficult thing for the casual observer to wrap their heads around are the expenses that tennis players take on board,” explaining that players can easily incur expenses exceeding $200,000 AUD per year. He highlighted the challenge of managing a career that typically spans until around 35 years of age, often necessitating a transition into a new profession post-retirement.

Millman’s commitment to transparency within the tennis world is well-established, as exemplified by his previous exposé on the sport’s unequal playing field. In a column for News Limited, he delved into the unequal opportunities players face during tournament preparations, spotlighting the uphill battle underdogs encounter even before stepping onto the court.

Adding to the discourse, former world number three Grigor Dimitrov, a member of the ATP player advisory council, praised the initiative as a “game-changer.” He acknowledged the demanding journey of a professional tennis player, particularly for those in the early stages of their careers, and hailed the safety net provided by the ‘Baseline’ scheme as a source of peace of mind.

The ATP has frequently come under scrutiny for the stark disparity between the earnings of top-tier players and the financial struggles of those further down the rankings. This new funding initiative represents a proactive step toward addressing these concerns and creating a more equitable landscape within the world of professional tennis.

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