ATP NOW Announcing Support Packages for ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Events

ATP TOUR WEBSITE - The ATP has announced a package of measures to support players and tournaments under continued COVID-19 conditions.

The package covers a range of areas including prize money at ATP 250 and ATP 500 events, and an update to the FedEx ATP Rankings system. It also introduces a new COVID-19 Protected Ranking provision to give players further security in the current environment, and an update to the number of player support team allowances on-site at events.

The ATP has allocated up to $10,000 for each ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Tour event in 2021 to cover hotel costs that may arise from additional isolation or quarantine periods, required in the event of positive COVID-19 test results or close contact situations. As such, tournaments and players will be protected against incurring unanticipated costs related to health & safety.

Players who are out of competition for four consecutive weeks will be eligible for a COVID-19 Protected Ranking. This measure is designed to allow players greater flexibility in their scheduling without having a negative impact on their ability to enter future tournaments.

This is very good news. To be honest, I felt like this news should of came earlier this year. It is now March and we are now talking about aiding the smaller tournaments around the world. Then again, beggars can't be choosers.

Honestly, everyone should be happier about this type of work that the ATP tour is doing for their lower ranked players. "Between the Australian Open and Wimbledon, minimum prize money levels for ATP 250 and ATP 500 tournaments will be raised to 80% and 60% respectively, from 50%." But why can't this be for all of the tournaments (just a thought).