ATP Rewards 26 Players with $1.3 Million Guaranteed Minimum Income in 2024

ATP Launches Baseline Program with $1.3 Million Payout to 26 Players in 2024

In 2024, the ATP men’s tennis tour took a significant step toward ensuring financial stability for players with the launch of its Baseline program, which distributed a total of $1.3 million to 26 players. This new financial initiative guarantees minimum annual incomes for players ranked in the top 250, aiming to alleviate financial uncertainty and provide support for tennis professionals facing challenges such as injuries or career setbacks.

The Baseline program is divided into three distinct categories to help a range of players. According to the ATP’s announcement, 17 players received money through minimum guarantees. These guarantees are designed to make up the difference for players who do not meet certain thresholds in singles prize money. Additionally, three players were supported through injury protection, which helps those whose participation in tournaments is limited due to health issues. Meanwhile, seven players benefited from newcomer investment, a fund aimed at providing financial aid to new members of the ATP top 125.

One player even qualified for assistance from both the minimum guarantee and income protection categories, showcasing the comprehensive nature of the program. This initiative, first introduced in August 2023, was implemented as a three-year trial, and 2024 marked its inaugural season.

Bernabe Zapata Miralles, one of the recipients of the minimum guarantee, shared his perspective on the program: “As a professional tennis player, you’re focused on results. Relying on your performance to succeed can be difficult, especially when dealing with setbacks like injuries,” he said. “We now have the comfort we need to improve, without the pressure of financial uncertainty.” This sentiment reflects the relief many players feel knowing that the ATP is taking steps to ease the financial burden during difficult times.

The financial assistance under the Baseline program is based on the 2023 year-end rankings and players’ 2024 earnings. The ATP covered the difference for players who didn’t reach specific prize money thresholds: $300,000 for those ranked in the top 100, $150,000 for players ranked 101-175, and $75,000 for those ranked 176-250. These amounts are set to increase in the 2025 season, with players ranked 101-175 set to receive $200,000 and those ranked 176-250 to get $100,000.

For context, Jannik Sinner, who finished as No. 1 at the end of 2024, earned an impressive $16.9 million in prize money. On the other hand, Federico Coria, ranked No. 100, took home approximately $590,000, while Abdullah Shelbayh, ranked No. 250, earned just under $205,000.

ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi, a former professional tennis player himself, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “We’re giving players the financial support they need to overcome challenges and build a sustainable career.” Gaudenzi’s vision behind the Baseline program is to provide essential assistance, allowing players to focus on their performance without worrying about their financial situation.

Players must sign up to be considered for the Baseline program, and the ATP hopes that more than 100 players will participate in 2025, building on the program’s success in its first year.

With the Baseline program, the ATP has set a new precedent for supporting its players beyond the court, reinforcing its commitment to the well-being of athletes at all levels of the professional tennis tour.