The circuit Challenger It is the step prior to definitive entry into the elite of the ATP, but it is a hostile environment when the results are not as expected and it can turn into a cruel battle for survival. Based on the players’ claim, the second professional level will undergo changes that aim to re-equalize the structure.
From 2023 the tour will considerably increase both the number of tournaments -already large- and the prize money, as well as the predictability of the calendar. From next year the Challengers will be called 50, 75, 100 and 125, and three special events called 175 will be held, which will take place during the second weeks of the M1000 in Indian Wells, Rome and Madrid. Everyone will raise the prize money and a total of US$21.1 million will be awarded, 60% more than this season.
Most of the competitors in this circuit are above the Top 80 of the ranking. Beyond constituting a sporting condition, such as being able to play the Grand Slams or not, the need is economic: making a living from tennis, outside the top 100, is almost impossible.
In this context, the Buenos Aires Challengertoday from category 80, will become 75 with a 45% increase in prizes, according to what was explained by Mariano Inktournament director, to Ambit.
“It has been a long time since the ATP reviewed how much prize money a player earns. This arises both from said entity and from the players, who have always claimed for better income for those who are outside the Top 100, so that they can develop their careers “details.
This year, the tournament played at the Racket Club was not part of the tour of the South American Legion organized by the former player Horacio Pena, a series of competitions in South America that brings possibilities to local tennis players. “We are already installed, and they want to add events. The criterion is to prioritize resources for new jobs”, she details.
“We are here to support and join this change,” says Ink, who in turn states that the ATP not only implemented the changes but also “subsidizes and generates new income.” “This is a mature tournament and we believe that the more it is hierarchical, the better the product is made”, he expands.
From 2023 the number of places will also grow. While 182 tournaments will eventually be played this year, next season will see a record 195.. According to ATP, the greatest benefit will be predictability: many times the Challengers are confirmed weeks before the competition and for tennis players it implies making hasty decisions that entail higher expenses.
At the moment, from Tournaments, the organizing company of the Buenos Aires Challenger and the ATP 250 in Córdoba, assured Ámbito that they do not plan to expand the offer of competitions despite the new structure of the Tour.
Through the corridors of Racket, perhaps the most transcendental club in vernacular tennis politics, different players come and go. Those who play a challenger to recover level, those who ascend or those who begin to give their last battles. The common denominator? The need for a better structure.
Source: Ambito
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