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
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