The governing body of men’s tennis are facing opposition from some of their own players concerning the revived ATP Cup that will get underway in 2020.
In January the team tournament will launch for the first time. It will be held across three cities in Australia with a total of 24 teams taking part. The competition will have a prize money pool of $15 million with up to 750 ranking points on offer for the undefeated singles champion. The concept is similar to that of the World Team Cup that took place in Düsseldorf between 1978 and 2012.
Qualified teams are selected based on the ATP ranking system. Each team must have a minimum of three ATP ranked players, including two with a singles ranking. A country can have up to five players, but three of those must have a singles ranking.
“ATP Cup counts as a bonus event in terms of points for those who play. Very unfair for those that don’t get to play and don’t have equal opportunity for points.” World No.37 Reilly Opelka commented about the tournament.
22-year-old Opelka argues that due to a limited number of places per team, it is unfair to have on offer so many ranking points. He is currently America’s third highest ranked player, but the country also has three top 30 players in the doubles. Effectively meaning that Opelka will not be able to play in the tournament, but those ranked much lower than him can.
“ATP cup is not purely a “ranking based” entry system, and that’s the issue.” He argues. “It’s more of a country based entry system. If it was ranking based, I would be able to play. There are many guys ranked much lower than me, that are qualified for ATP cup.”
Australian player John Millman has also voiced his concerns. Millman is currently ranked 52nd in the world and reached the final of the Japan Open a couple weeks ago. He points out that the new tournament is now considered as a ‘countable tournament.’ In the ATP rankings, a position is based on a player’s top 18 tournaments. However those playing the ATP Cup will up their tally to 19. Having an advantage on those unable to qualify due to limited spaces.
“Every player has the chance to make the World Tour Finals and this is how it is justified as an extra tournament.” Millman wrote.
“When the ATP Cup was introduced it was announced that it would be included as an extra countable tournament. Meaning those who play it get a 19th countable tournament or if you play that and qualify for the ATP Tour Finals you will have 20 countable tournaments. For every player who doesn’t qualify for neither tournaments their ranking will be comprised of 18 tournaments.’
“As opposed to the World Tour Finals the ATP Cup isn’t an even playing field in that it is harder to qualify for nations that have multiple players.”
Taylor Fritz described the team event as ‘a great idea’ for the sports. However, he is another player unhappy with the disparity that could be created.
“It’s not fair that a player ranked 80 or worst can play and have a 19th tournament when someone ranked 40 from a stronger nation doesn’t get the chance to play.” Fritz tweeted.
Every member of the current top 10 have confirmed their intention to play in inaugural the ATP Cup. Andy Murray will also feature in the event, thanks to the use of his protected ranking.
The tournament will take place between January 3rd-12th.
