The ATP has announced adjustments to its ranking system beginning in 2026, introducing changes that will slightly alter how points are calculated. According to the newly published rulebook, players will now have 18 tournaments counted toward their ranking instead of 19. The obligation to include results from the four Grand Slam events and eight Masters 1000 tournaments remains unchanged. However, the number of smaller tournaments that can be added to a player’s tally will decrease from seven to six, alongside points earned at the ATP Finals.
Adjustments to ATP 500 requirements
Another significant change involves the ATP 500 category. Until the 2025 season, players were required to compete in five ATP 500 tournaments. Starting in 2026, that number will drop to four. The Monte-Carlo Masters 1000, which is the only Masters event not mandatory, can still be counted among these four. Additionally, players must participate in at least one ATP 500 event after the U.S. Open.
Impact on commitment players
These rules apply specifically to “commitment players,” defined in the rulebook as the top 30 players in the world. The adjustments are designed to balance the demands of the tour while maintaining competitive integrity. By reducing the number of mandatory tournaments, the ATP aims to provide elite players with slightly more flexibility in managing their schedules while ensuring that the most prestigious events remain central to the ranking system.
The 2026 season will mark the beginning of this updated framework, shaping how the world’s best players plan their calendars and pursue ranking points.