Log in

View Full Version : Challengers and Futures - fewer tournaments this year.



Sallydaisy
03-01-2013, 23:38
To work their way to the top of the game every player has to start at the bottom.

Usually as a Junior (events run by the ITF) and then progressing to the Futures circuit to start earning precious points and work their way up the rankings. If they make it high enough they can start entering ATP Challengers which carry more points and prize money. Finally, if they're good enough, they'll start on the main ATP Tour with 250's, 500's, Masters and the Slams.

It's a very tough road but this year will be even more difficult because there are holes appearing in the 2013 calendar of events. Various Challengers are not going ahead - some for financial reasons - and there are ATP250's that have either switched licence or not been allowed to switch at all so won't take place e.g. Belgrade (aka the Djokovic Open!). Los Angeles has now been replaced (we think) by a tournament in South America.

Someone on another forum has written a blog piece highlighting the problem for players and for fans who want to get score information. It makes for interesting reading.
http://www.tennisalternative.com/news.php

pabbers
04-01-2013, 16:50
An extremely interesting item, Sally. Call me naive but I was shocked at the (when I think about it obvious) influence of the betting and gaming companies. To think I watch streams through a couple of them too.........:shamed:

Linda
04-01-2013, 19:18
If Novak's uncle is "struggling financially", can't Novak help him out? :confused: