The ATP Tour announced significant changes for the 2022 season, with Masters 1000 events in Canada and Cincinnati being expanded to 12-day events. Additionally, there will be 16 ATP 500 tournaments held next year, showcasing the organization’s commitment to providing an enhanced tournament experience for players and fans alike.
The ATP Tour revealed that seven of the nine Masters tournaments will now be held across 12 days each, following the successful expansion of events such as the Italian Open, Madrid Open, and Shanghai Masters in the previous year. Moreover, the number of ATP 500 events will be increased from 13 with the upgrade of tournaments in Dallas, Doha, and Munich from ATP 250 events. In total, the ATP will host 60 tournaments across 29 countries in the upcoming season.
ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming changes, stating, “Next season will see yet more enhancements to the ATP Tour’s premium product across a streamlined calendar.” Gaudenzi emphasized the organization’s dedication to creating the best possible experience for tennis fans worldwide. He also highlighted the record-breaking attendance of five million fans at ATP events in the previous season as a testament to the sport’s growing popularity and potential for further growth.
Calendar Adjustments
Among the other notable changes for the 2022 season include the rescheduling of the ATP 500 event in Hamburg from July to May. Additionally, the ATP 250 event in Cordoba Open will be relocated to Mallorca as part of the lead-up to Wimbledon. However, the ATP 250 event in Estoril, which has been operating under an ATP license since 2015, will not be included in the calendar for the upcoming year.
The ATP Finals are set to be hosted in Turin, Italy, signaling a new chapter for the prestigious season-ending tournament. Meanwhile, the Next Gen ATP Finals will return to Jeddah for the third consecutive year, further solidifying the ATP’s global footprint and commitment to showcasing top talent from around the world.
The ATP’s decision to expand Masters 1000 events and ATP 500 tournaments demonstrates the organization’s forward-thinking approach to enhancing the overall tennis experience for players, fans, and stakeholders. With a renewed focus on global expansion and fan engagement, the ATP is poised to continue its growth trajectory and further elevate the sport of tennis on a global scale.
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