World No. 33 Alexander Bublik, true to his outspoken style, voiced
dissatisfaction with the prize money at ATP 250 tournaments, stating that the
costs of participating often outweigh the earnings. The Kazakh also added that
he doesn’t believe ATP 250 or Challenger tournaments are necessary.
The former
World No. 17 has won four ATP titles so far, three of them at ATP 250 events.
With a career record of 152-150, Bublik has earned over $7.6 million in prize
money. In 2024 alone, he made over $1.5 million; however, this figure doesn’t
account for taxes or associated costs, including travel, accommodation, and
team expenses, such as a coach and physiotherapist.
“I don’t
think we should be playing ATP 250 tournaments where the winner is paid
$50,000," he said to the Russian portal Championat. "This money does nothing for us because we spend more on the team and
flights. I don’t think we need 250 tournaments or Challengers. This is my
message to the guys.”
“After five
or seven years on tour, they stop making sense. Unless, of course, you want to
earn additional ranking points. Last year, I played ATP 250 tournaments solely
for points. We need to make a living, and these tournaments don’t particularly
interest the players,” said Bublik.
Nevertheless,
prize money at ATP 250 tournaments is slightly higher than Bublik suggested.
For instance, in 2024, Brisbane International awarded $95,340 to the champion.
Similar figures were seen at Delray Beach ($100,640) and Santiago Open
($100,640). The highest-paying ATP 250 tournaments are held in China, such as
this year’s Hangzhou Open, where Marin Cilic claimed $152,240 for winning the
title.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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