This week the ATP and WTA tournament directors meet in Madrid. There are big decisions ahead. It seems clear that the two tours are getting closer, with what consequences?
In sporting terms, the Combined Event in Madrid raises some interesting questions, such as how the two local heroes Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will perform. But behind the scenes, decisions are being made, or at least prepared, that will have a significant impact on the future of the sport. It remains to be seen if it will be in a good way.
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It seems clear that the ATP and the WTA are getting closer. And first of all on an economic level. Joint marketing of tours for men and women will soon be possible. The big question, however, is: what will these tours be like?
One thing is clear: there should be a tenth ATP Masters 1000 tournament. There are several contenders for this: Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, and probably Australia too. One of the problems, however, is the date, as a BBC report explains very well: a 1000 before the Australian Open would hamper the summer of Australian tennis (unless it took place in Sydney, for example).
After the first major of the year, the South American clay court tour and European indoor tournaments would be affected. And the option of playing a 1,000 on grass between Roland Garros and Wimbledon would probably only be conceivable in Great Britain.
Great tennis in Stuttgart, Munich, Barcelona: is it all over?
The idea of a “Premium Tour”, which would be made up of the four majors and the ten 1000s, is still simmering. These tournaments would award between 50 and 60 “tour cards,” similar to golf. The remaining events, i.e. all 250cc and 500cc tournaments, would move to circuit qualifying status. Understandably, this proposal will not be welcomed by potentially affected tournament directors.
From the players' perspective, there are at least two approaches: The burden on top players would certainly be reduced if they really only played the Premium Tour. On the other hand: if you have a Tour card, are ranked 50th in the world, and regularly lose in the first round, how much fun can that be?
Especially the last week has shown how fun tennis can be in regular tournaments, whether in Stuttgart for women or in Munich and Barcelona for men. If these events lose status and, above all, big names, tennis would not be served. It is not surprising that the unrest behind the scenes is growing.