"It will never be sustainable" says ATP CEO Gaudenzi on Challenger Tour

ATP CEO Andrea Gaudenzi compared the ATP Challenger tour to going to university explaining how he doesn't see it ever being sustainable.

ATP CEO Andrea Gaudenzi is catching some fire from players and tennis people across the world for his recent comments made on the ATP Challenger Tour. Speaking on it Gaudenzi said:

"In the Challenger Tour, you should be able to at least break even and pay your costs. But you have to be conscious that this is sort of like a university. It’s an investment. Then go and move into the pro tour where you have a job."

He further elaborated:

"I don’t think it will ever be possible to have a sustainable tour at that level [Challenger Tour] simply because it lacks the interest of the fans and the engagement of the sponsors, broadcasters, and ticket revenues."

Several players responded harshly to the comments including 2x Australian Open quarterfinalist Tennys Sandgren:

"Whether he’s right or wrong, this is ridiculously bad branding. Should be instantly fired for this.”

Fellow American Noah Rubin added:

"Tennis has been in this limbo stage. Not only with challengers, but also doubles. Either make the necessary changes for large numbers to make a living or own who you are like F1 and put it in the hands of 20 players. If you think tennis has a happy ending in this system.”

Australian Open CEO Paul McNamee also said:

"The Gaudenzi comments about Challengers “At university, not sustainable etc.” are highly disrespectful to quality players, who have no choice! Perhaps it’s because he’s so focused on expanding the 1000’s to two weeks each, which will reduce the number of tournaments even further?”