The ATP rang in the new year with a reset of its decision-making bodies. This included the Players’ Council, which gives players a direct voice and vote on key issues across the tour. Within the mix, Andrey Rublev found himself stepping into a prominent leadership role.

The Russian is set to headline the Players’ Voice for 2026, alongside Nuno Borges, Pedro Martinez, and Zizou Bergs, giving the group strong representation from different parts of the tour.

The council is made up of four players from the top 50, two ranked between 51 and 100, two doubles specialists, three additional players, and one coach. Elected by their fellow players, council members are tasked with representing the player base and advising ATP management and the Board of Directors on tour-related matters. For those who may have missed it, the council’s first meeting is set for Melbourne during the Australian summer swing.

Their 51-100 singles representatives are Camilo Ugo Carabelli and Mackenzie McDonald. On the doubles side, Andrea Vavassori represents players ranked inside the top 25, while Marcelo Arevalo covers the 1-50 range, ensuring doubles specialists also have a strong voice.

Rounding out the council are two at-large members, Jaume Munar and Zhang Zhizhen, who add further balance to the group. The council also includes Federico Ricci as the coach representative and former player Nicolas Pereira as the alumni delegate, reflecting the ATP’s aim to include experience and perspective from across the tennis world.

Bringing in these players, who have been at the forefront of struggles with tour scheduling and amid players’ growing tension with the ATP, can be beneficial for the developement of the sport. But what’s really driving the divide?

ATP faces mounting pressure over scheduling and money disputes

Over the past year, growing frustration has emerged among players over the ATP’s packed schedule, which many believe is contributing to injuries and burnout. Carlos Alcaraz has been one of the most vocal critics, openly questioning the length and intensity of the tennis calendar, a view shared by several players across the tour.

Still, scheduling is only part of the wider debate. Tennis has expanded significantly in recent years, especially financially, with ATP prize money steadily increasing since 2019 despite the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. On the surface, the sport appears to be thriving.

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However, when adjusted for inflation, the numbers tell a different story for top players. Prize money for the top 20 ATP players has risen by 22% over the past six years, while U.S. dollar inflation increased by 26% during the same period, meaning elite players are effectively earning less than they did in 2019.

Lower-ranked players have fared better. Those ranked between 21 and 50 have seen earnings increase by 36%, while players ranked 51 to 100 enjoyed a 43% rise. These gains have outpaced inflation, leaving many mid-ranked players better off than they were six years ago.

Concerns over this imbalance reached a breaking point with the PTPA’s antitrust lawsuit. The group argues the system restricts player compensation and limits prize money growth, noting that tennis players receive roughly 15% of Grand Slam revenues compared to up to 50 percent in leagues like the NBA, NFL, and golf.

So while organizers point to rising prize pools (such as the US Open’s record $90 million this year), the debate over fairness keeps heating up.