ATP Announces Financial Aid to Players Affected by COVID-19 as WTA Player Calls Out Women’s Association

In the previous year, the COVID-19 global pandemic created a negative impact on humanity. The effects of the pandemic were so severe that it created a sense of panic amongst individuals across the world. Along with the various industries, tennis’ ATP and WTA tours suffered to a great extent.

The tennis season came to a halt for the majority of the season. Due to this, the lesser privileged players on Tour suffered financially to a great extent. Taking note of this, the ATP Players Council has provided a special package for the players that have been hit. The ATP has created these for players ranked above 31 and below. 

The ATP Player Relations team issued a statement, “The ATP Year-End Relief payment is separate from the Player Relief Programme, which saw the ATP, WTA, the four Grand Slam tournaments, and the ITF raise in excess of US $6 million splits equally between men and women in 2020. This relief is also separate from the Player Grant payments, which were made in January.” 

Meanwhile, the WTA has not been able to provide any aid to the players on the women’s Tour. On the contrary, the number of tournaments has been reduced, which isn’t a promising sign moving into the season. Hong Kong-born British tennis player, Tara Moore, voiced her concern with regard to this matter. 

Looking further into the details of the package provided by the ATP, they’ve decided to deliver sums of money directly into the bank accounts of the players. 

ATP: “Payment will be deposited into the players’ account”

The ATP Player Relations team further added,

“As a player ranked between 31-500 in the Year-End Singles or 1-200 in the Year-End Doubles in the FedEx ATP Rankings, and by virtue of meeting the prize money threshold, you will receive a relief payment of US $5040. Please note that non-US residents will receive a payment of $4738 due to tax withholdings. This payment will be deposited into your bank account in the coming days.” 

 

The ATP has created a systematic approach to help the players, and it comes at the right time. In the days to come, one hopes to see the WTA playing their part in helping the lesser privileged players.

 

As the

Australian Open concluded successfully, the women’s players are competing at Adelaide International 2021 and the men’s players will be seen at the Rotterdam Open 2021.

 

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