Alexander Bublik made a very radical proposal to the ATP authorities, telling them the 250 category should be pretty much removed because it doesn’t really bring that much money and the players don’t find it very interesting.
During an 11-month season, the majority of the main-level tournaments are ATP 250’s as there are 35 events in that specific category. The ATP calendar also includes 13 ATP 500 events – nine Masters tournaments – and the ATP Finals. Four Grand Slam tournaments are hosted by the ITF.
It is not a secret that top players have been critical of the ATP and WTA calendars over the last couple of years, with many arguing that it’s time to shorten it.
Now, Bublik is joining that conversation. And he has an idea how to make that work. According to the 27-year-old Kazakh, pretty much the only gain players can from have the 250 category are points because there are so many of those events. When it comes to money, those tournaments are not that profitable.
“I think we shouldn’t be playing ATP 250s when they pay the winner 50 grand, which we don’t even feel because our teams cost more in the week and to travel somewhere. I don’t think we need to play 250 events and the Challengers. So that’s the message to the guys. It makes no sense for us, after…
