Is ATP Only Men’s Tennis? Exploring the ATP, WTA, and Global Tennis Governance
ATP vs WTA Comparison Tool
ATP is a global governing body that organizes the elite men’s professional tennis circuit, founded in 1972 and headquartered in London. It runs the ATP Tour, ATP Rankings, and the season‑ending championships.
Understanding the ATP’s Role
The ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) does not represent women’s tennis. Its charter, set out in the original 1972 constitution, explicitly limits its jurisdiction to male players and men’s events. This focus shows up in every facet of the organization: the ATP Tour features only men’s singles and doubles, the ATP Rankings list only male athletes, and the ATP’s commercial sponsors target the men’s market.
Key attributes of the ATP include:
- Founded: 1972
- Primary tour: ATP Tour
- Ranking system: ATP Rankings
- Prize‑money pool (2024 season): US$ 250million
Who Governs Women’s Professional Tennis?
For women, the counterpart is the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association). Established in 1973, the WTA runs the WTA Tour, maintains the WTA Rankings, and negotiates all media and sponsorship deals for women’s events. The WTA operates completely independently of the ATP, though both cooperate on mixed‑gender tournaments like the Grand Slams.
Attributes of the WTA:
- Founded: 1973
- Primary tour: WTA Tour
- Ranking system: WTA Rankings
- Prize‑money pool (2024 season): US$ 140million
Where Do the ATP and WTA Fit in the Global Tennis Ecosystem?
The umbrella organization for all tennis is the ITF (International Tennis Federation). The ITF governs the sport’s rules, runs junior and senior circuits, and oversees the four Grand Slam tournaments, Davis Cup, and the Olympic tennis event. While the ITF sanctions the ATP and WTA Tours, it does not manage day‑to‑day operations for either.
Because the Grand Slams (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open) are organized by national bodies, they feature both men’s and women’s draws under the same banner, giving the illusion that a single organization runs everything. In reality, the ATP supplies the men’s draw, the WTA supplies the women’s draw, and the ITF provides the overall regulatory framework.
Comparing Men’s and Women’s Professional Tours
| Attribute | ATP (Men) | WTA (Women) |
|---|---|---|
| Year founded | 1972 | 1973 |
| Governing body | Association of Tennis Professionals | Women’s Tennis Association |
| Primary tour name | ATP Tour | WTA Tour |
| Ranking system | ATP Rankings | WTA Rankings |
| 2024 prize‑money pool | US$ 250million | US$ 140million |
| Number of tournaments (main tour) | 62 | 55 |
ATP Sub‑Tours: Challenger, Cup, and Beyond
Beyond the top‑level ATP Tour, the organization runs several supporting circuits:
- ATP Challenger Tour - a stepping‑stone for players aiming to break into the top 100. It offers lower prize money and points, helping talent transition from Futures events.
- ATP Cup - a nation‑based team competition introduced in 2020, run until 2022 before merging into the new United Cup format.
- Davis Cup - although overseen by the ITF, the ATP provides ranking points for participants, illustrating the cross‑over between bodies.
Each sub‑tour has its own ranking points allocation, prize structure, and calendar, but they all feed into the main ATP Rankings system. Players collect points from any ATP‑sanctioned event, which determine entry into higher‑level tournaments.
Common Misconceptions and Why They Matter
Many casual fans assume the ATP is the umbrella for all professional tennis because its branding appears on major TV broadcasts. This misunderstanding can lead to confusion about player eligibility, prize‑money distribution, and broadcast rights. For example, when a male player wins a Grand Slam, the ATP receives a share of the revenue, while the female champion’s earnings go to the WTA. Knowing the split helps fans appreciate the distinct financial ecosystems.
Another myth is that the ATP manages mixed doubles events. In reality, mixed doubles at Grand Slams are coordinated jointly by the national organizing bodies (e.g., USTA for the US Open) under the ITF’s rules.
How the Structure Impacts Players and Fans
From a player’s perspective, the separate tours mean distinct pathways:
- Junior players first compete in ITF junior events.
- Successful juniors transition to the ATP Challenger Tour (men) or WTA 125K series (women).
- Accumulating points earns them a spot on the ATP Tour or WTA Tour main draws.
Fans benefit from clearer schedules - men’s and women’s matches are often televised on different channels, reducing overlap.
Future Trends: Unified Branding or Continued Separation?
There’s growing speculation about a unified “World Tennis Association” that could streamline governance. Proponents argue it would simplify sponsorship, broadcasting, and fan engagement. Opponents worry it could dilute the progress the WTA made in championing gender equity.
Recent joint initiatives, like the United Cup (a mixed‑gender nation‑based event), hint at a collaborative future without sacrificing the autonomy of the ATP and WTA. Until a formal merger occurs, the answer to the original question remains clear: the ATP governs only men’s professional tennis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ATP responsible for women’s tennis?
No. The ATP’s charter covers only male players and men’s events. Women’s professional tennis is governed by the WTA, which runs the WTA Tour, rankings, and related commercial activities.
What organization oversees both the ATP and WTA?
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is the global governing body for the sport. It sets the rules, manages the Grand Slams, Davis Cup, and Olympic tennis, and sanctions both the ATP and WTA tours.
Do ATP rankings affect women’s players?
No. ATP rankings are exclusive to male players. Women have a separate system called the WTA Rankings, which determines entry and seeding for women’s events.
What is the ATP Challenger Tour?
The Challenger Tour is the second tier of men’s professional tennis, offering lower prize money and ranking points. It serves as a bridge between the ITF Futures circuit and the main ATP Tour.
Are there joint events where ATP and WTA players compete together?
Yes. Grand Slam tournaments host both men’s and women’s draws under the same event banner. Mixed‑gender competitions like the United Cup also feature ATP and WTA players representing their countries.
How does prize money differ between the ATP and WTA?
In 2024 the ATP’s total prize‑money pool was about US$ 250million, while the WTA’s was roughly US$ 140million. The gap reflects historical sponsorship patterns and market dynamics, though both tours have been working to close it.
Could the ATP and WTA ever merge into a single organization?
There are talks about greater collaboration, but a full merger would require complex negotiations over governance, revenue sharing, and gender equity. For now, they remain separate entities with occasional joint events.
