Money Matters

While the top-ranked players make millions in prize money each year, the vast majority of those ranked below 150(ish) in the world contend with constant financial stress. Remember how much your last vacation that required airfare cost? Imagine paying for that week in and week out, stripping away the glamour (read matcha latte), and playing matches that your financial (and mental/emotional) well-being depend on. Because of the high financial burn rate of the pro tour, hundreds of talented professionals cut their careers short every year.

So to ease the financial burden, the ATP announced Baseline, a support program for players launching this year as part of a three-year trial. Comprised of three key pillars, Baseline is a step towards helping players make a sustainable living from the sport.

1. The first pillar is Guaranteed Base Earnings, which guarantees minimum income levels for the Top 250-ranked singles players each season. In case a player's prize money earnings finishes below the guaranteed threshold, the ATP will step in to cover the shortfall.

2. The second pillar focuses on Injury Protection, providing support to players who play fewer than nine ATP Tour and Challenger Tour events in a season due to injury.

3. The third pillar, Newcomer Investment, provides an additional boost to up-and-coming players as they push on in their professional tennis journey.

With more financial support, players will be able to pay for coaches, physios, and other critical pieces to help them play their best tennis, and make the breakthrough they’ve been dreaming of. And with a deeper field of players, perhaps we’ll see more upsets in the early rounds of big tournaments. Time will tell! Full release article here.

“I’m Dreaming More Than Ever Right Now”

That’s Daniil Medvedev in his press conference after just losing a 5 set thriller in the Australian Open Finals. I am blown away by how pragmatic and positive Daniil is an hour after losing the Super Bowl of our sport. Here’s his analysis, over simplified:

1. Sinner had more gas in the tank. That was the difference in the match

2. While this was a tough loss, he had a great tournament. He would rather lose in the final than not be in the final at all

3. He is more excited about tennis than he has ever been. He’s “dreaming more than ever”

Very impressed with this guy. Highly recommend listening to the full interview here.

Guess the Grunt

Think you know all the different animal noises around the tour? Play along with Ben Shelton, Andrey Rublev, Diego Schwartzman in this game created by the ATP media team.

Thanks for reading! 🤠

DP