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"Gives us peace of mind": ATP announces minimum wage scheme after Djokovic's calls for better financial security for lower-ranked players
ATPThursday, 24 August 2023 at 11:07
The ATP has announced a minimum wage scheme after Novak Djokovic called for his lower-ranked colleagues to be given financial protection in the sport.
The new scheme will secure players a minimum wage of $75,000-$300,000 per year. Moreover, as part of the ATP's new Baseline program, they will also receive money if they are unable to play due to injury and when they first break into the top 125 in the ATP Rankings.
Baseline will launch in 2024 and will be on a trial period for three years. For the first trial season, the top 100-ranked players will be guaranteed $300k, while those ranked between No. 101 and No. 175 will receive an assurance of $150k. Meanwhile, the players ranked 176th to 250th will earn at least $75k.
New scheme also covers injuries
All of these players will also be covered by 'injury protection' if they are unable to compete due to physical injuries.
Those who play less than nine tournaments in a season across the ATP Tour and Challenger Circuits because of injury will receive a minimum wage in an attempt to prevent players from returning too early and risking their health to make a living.
In this situation, players ranked in the top 100 will receive at least $200k, those between 101-175 will be assured of $100k, and 176-250-ranked players will be guaranteed a safety net of $50k.
Decision comes after Djokovic's calls for financial protection
23-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic has been an advocate for better financial protection for lower-ranked players for several years.
The 36-year-old left the ATP Player Council in 2020 to form the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) with Canadian tennis player Vasek Pospisil. On its website, the PTPA states it is "committed to safeguarding and supporting men's and women's professional tennis players worldwide."
As well as making calls for financial protection through the PTPA, Djokovic also attempted to raise awareness of players struggling during the pandemic when many tournaments were cancelled.
"I am really privileged to be able to use my status of being a top player that can, in this times, raise the awareness of players that are struggling. I personally have earned enough money to live for many more years without playing tennis," he said.
Meanwhile, world No. 19 Grigor Dimitrov, who is currently a part of the ATP Player Council, described the Baseline program as giving players 'peace of mind.'
"Knowing that we have a safety net through the minimum guarantee and injury protection pillars gives us peace of mind, allowing us to focus on our game and strive for success. This truly shows the ATP's commitment to the players and the future of our sport," he said.
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