Watching tennis players prepare for events and run for glory might seem quite enticing. The cinematic life of players which includes playing on posh courts and taking regular flights actually costs them a fortune. As inflation hits almost all the markets with a rapidly rising graph, it also drastically impacts ATP and WTA stars ranked out of 100. In a recent gathering, several ATP stars talked about how things are getting expensive to a concerning extent. Could this be tennis’ biggest problem right now?

The rising cost of playing tennis is becoming a growing concern for players on the ATP Tour. In a recent video shared on social media, several top ATP stars opened up about the financial burden associated with their profession. Terence Atmane, one of the players, pointed out the high cost of stringing rackets. “For stringing, I would say around €8000,” he shared, highlighting how even basic necessities like stringing rackets significantly add to expenses. Constantine Lestienne broke it down further, explaining, “Generally speaking, it’s about 15 rackets per week at €20 per stringing. 15*20 is 300. Of course! 300 during 30 weeks adds up to roughly €9000.”

The discussion also revealed how expenses go well beyond equipment. Titouan Droguet, ranked ATP No. 183, highlighted the overall costs of competing at a professional level. “I just finished calculating my 2024 expenses and I spent €100,000,” he admitted. Another player asked if this included coaching and other costs. Terence Atmane responded with his own detailed experience. “I did my accounting! I have a coach that travels with me every week. For the major tournaments, I added physical trainers. Plus, the training weeks where I covered all the costs,” he explained, showcasing how travel and coaching significantly inflate costs.

Besides this, tennis legend Stan Smith also weighed in on the struggles faced by players and the sport itself. In an interview with Sports Magazin, he addressed the broader challenges tennis faces in the U.S. “Tennis continues to lag behind baseball, American football, and basketball,” he said. Smith believes tennis could grow if athletes from other sports were to transition into it. “Let’s suppose that young people were to leave basketball and take up tennis. Who knows what could happen? Good basketball players move wonderfully and have great hand-eye coordination,” he added.

However, Smith pointed out that accessibility remains a key issue. “Unfortunately, tennis remains a very expensive sport, and access is not as easy,” he said. He praised Frances Tiafoe for overcoming these barriers to achieve success but highlighted that tennis competes with more than just other sports. “Tennis doesn’t just compete with other sports; it also competes with digital entertainment formats,” Smith concluded. This statement reflected a growing concern about tennis’s ability to attract young talent in a world filled with diverse and accessible entertainment options. However, the authorities are also taking things into consideration.

When ATP introduced a baseline program to ensure financial stability for players

The ATP unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing financial security for players starting in the 2024 season. The Baseline program introduced a guaranteed minimum wage for players ranked within the top 250, ensuring financial stability regardless of prize money earned. “In case a player’s prize money earnings finishes below the guaranteed threshold, the ATP will step in to cover the shortfall,” the ATP announced. For the 2024 season, the thresholds are set at $300,000 for the top 100, $150,000 for players ranked 101-175, and $75,000 for those between 176-250. This assurance allows players to plan their seasons better, focus on performance, and invest in their support teams, including coaches, physios, and travel.

The program also addressed financial concerns for injured players whose seasons get cut short. For players ranked 176-250, the ATP guarantees $50,000, while those between 101-175 will receive $100,000. The top 100 players are eligible for a $100,000 safety net. This initiative ensures that players can maintain their teams and continue their recovery without financial stress. The ATP is not only supporting active players but is also looking out for those facing setbacks, creating a more sustainable environment within the sport.

Along with that, baseline offered a significant boost to rising talent. Players who break into the top 125 for the first time can receive up to $200,000 as an advance on their future earnings for the following season. This provision helps young players invest in their support systems, including better coaches and resources, which are crucial for their development and success. ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi expressed optimism about the initiative, calling it a “complete shift in the way tennis approaches player finances.” He added, “It represents our commitment to the players and their careers — fostering an environment where they can thrive and elevate the sport.” Gaudenzi highlighted that this is only the beginning, as the ATP aims to expand the program in the future. As things continue to develop, it still remains to be seen how the development proceeds.