Bublik's Latest: "There Should Not be ATP 250 Tournaments"

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The ATP has been making its best effort for several consecutive seasons to improve the health of the current circuit. And when we talk about health, we talk about money. Yes, in the Grand Slams, they make fortunes, but the pyramid is made up of many more steps. A recurring topic that always sparks discussion, especially in the mouths of those who don't usually stay quiet about anything. Just a few days after announcing a new increase in the prize money for the Challenger circuit, Alexander Bublik harshly criticized the ATP itself with statements that will upset more than one. Let's read them and then discuss them.

"Honestly, I believe that ATP 250 tournaments should not be played, where only $50,000 is paid to the champion. This money is useless to us, as we spend more just on our team's expenses and flights. I don't think we need tournaments of this category nor the Challengers; this is my message to the circuit," shared the Kazakh in these remarks collected by the Russian portal Championat. Bublik, who fortunately has been living off tennis for a while without financial problems, wanted to remember those who are not in the same situation, although perhaps the solution he proposes may not be the most intelligent.

Why get rid of ATP 250 tournaments? Looking at Bublik's own journey, even he regularly participates in them. Of the 25 tournaments he played in 2024, seven of them belonged to this category: Adelaide (SF), Montpellier (W), Doha (QF), Lyon (SF), Stuttgart (QF), Eastbourne (R16), and Chengdu (QF). Of the 1,420 points he accumulated this season, 42% came from these seven tournaments mentioned (600 points), without which he would not have managed to finish the season within the top 35 of the world rankings. In fact, three out of the four titles he has won as a professional are from ATP 250 level, so his speech may seem contradictory. However, Sascha's intentions point elsewhere.

SEEKING THE MOST PROFITABLE OPTION

What can a player do when the financial accounts don't add up at the end of the month? Playing more tournaments than stipulated could be an option, although this could lead to more injuries and, therefore, end up achieving the opposite, playing fewer tournaments. Another option – although this will depend on each one's status – is embracing exhibition tournaments, always so criticized but always there to give relief to mid-table competitors. A space where Bublik feels comfortable and where he doesn't hesitate to turn to when requested. If he had to choose between an exhibition or an ATP 250, the Kazakh would have it very clear.

"After more than seven years on the tour, I simply realized that playing these tournaments doesn't make sense unless you want to earn additional points in the world rankings. This season, for example, I myself played some ATP 250 tournaments, but I did it only with the goal of earning some points. Tennis players need to make a living, so these kinds of tournaments are not of particular interest to us," asserts the man who has accumulated nearly $8M in his account as a tennis player.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La última de Bublik: “No debería haber torneos ATP 250”