2020 tennis needs to be cancelled: What’s at stake during the suspension
The 2020 tennis season has unraveled throughout the course of the suspension. Here’s what’s at stake for the ATP and why the season should be scrapped.
The effects of COVID-19 has only reached further into the tennis community with each day. As of May 22nd, the number of tournaments cancelled has topped 40 so far this season, with a majority of them being lower-level ATP 250 events and their WTA equivalents.
Lower-ranked players on both tours have expressed their many concerns of a lack of funds without tournaments, and while the relief fund has started to take form, it still has yet to truly begin.
A season evaluation needs to be called in as soon as possible. While the governing bodies of the ATP and WTA are looking at a month-to-month basis, they need to look broader. The suspension was extended through July 31st, but a complete shutdown of the season will need to be in place in order for many tournaments not to got into an extreme amount debt.
Higher level tournaments, like the ATP 500 events, Masters 1000 Series, and Grand Slams, all have no problem with maintaining revenue. The majority of revenue gained in tennis at each tournament is mainly dependent on the sponsor of said tournament.
Grand Slams have no issues with revenue due to lucrative sponsors like Emirates and Rolex, as well the massive amount of TV coverage throughout the two-week event. 1000 Series and 500 events also have no problem, as they bring in $6 million and $1.1 million in profits, respectively. ATP 250 events and the WTA equivalents bring in no more than $125,000 in net profits with operating costs close to $4 milion, per ATP 250 events chairman Bill Oakes (via the NY Times).
In addition, these lower-level events struggle gaining large-enough sponsors to make a profit and don’t often get broadcast on live television. If the governing bodies on Tour continue to extend the suspension with a minuscule amount of notice in advance, these 250 events are going to lose a good amount of money.
Out of the 68 events on tour, not including Challenger events, 38 of them are ATP 250 events. They make up 56% of all tournaments on tour each year and are the backbone to the tour succeeding each year, especially in the case of lower-ranked players.
Of the 30 ATP events that have been suspended since the end of April, 18 of them are 250 events. These events prepare virtually year-round for the tournament and with costs averaging just over $600,000 each year, the suspension puts these tournaments in the red. The less of a notice these events get, the more money is lost.
13 of the 38 ATP 250 events lost money in 2018. With the number expected to grow significantly this year, it’s crucial for these events to be notified enough in advance so fees won’t skyrocket.
light. More. ATP/WTA cancelled tournament list tops 40
Let’s look at any given tournament. Every tournament needs the basics, from court maintenance to a full bracket of players. That is delegated well in advance. However, as the event gets closer to its start date, smaller, but still very important, details are put in place, like catering and security for the tournament. Year-round staff are still a major source of fees, as well. If a tournament is notified enough in advance, costs can be significantly cut down once those smaller details are no longer needed to be brought in.
If these tournaments aren’t given enough time, they might be enough in the hole in terms of money that they won’t be able to run in 2021. That jeopardizes not only the 2021 season, but the vast amount of players who compete in those tournaments for their weekly incomes.
As of now, the player relief fund is beginning to provide players with the adequate funds to stay afloat. The only real news coming from the top of the tour is that they’ll assess the situation each month and decide the future of the season. It doesn’t put tournaments or players in a good situation if they’re left on their toes until its almost too late.
If the 2020 season is scrapped altogether, the high-level 1000 Series and Grand Slams will lose money, that’s a given. Without them playing, they suffer big losses from TV and sponsor profits. It won’t largely affect the top players competing, given their financial situation won’t drop that much.
The big question remains: What’s more important, the push for big tournaments in 2020 or the success of the tour in the long-term?
dark. Next. ATP, WTA finalizing relief fund for lower-ranked players
This needs to be answered, and quickly.