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New Masters 1000 event set to be added to ATP Tour calendar | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 6:34 GMT by Sporting News
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New Masters 1000 Event Added to ATP Tour Calendar: Tokyo’s Inaugural Title

In a major reshuffling of the 2024 ATP Tour, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) has announced that a new Masters 1000 event will be added to the calendar. The addition, slated for Tokyo, Japan, marks the first time a Masters 1000 tournament will be staged in the country and will replace the Shanghai Masters, which will not return for the 2024 season.

When and Where

The tournament will take place from 29 September to 6 October 2024 at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo. The event will follow the US Open and precede the Paris Masters, providing a critical competitive window for players looking to fine‑tune their form before the year‑end Masters event. The venue will host hard‑court matches, as is customary for the Masters 1000 series in Asia.

Why Tokyo?

The ATP’s decision to move the Masters 1000 series to Tokyo reflects the growing influence of tennis in Asia. While the Shanghai Masters had historically been a cornerstone of the Asian swing, the event was discontinued in 2023 due to logistical challenges and the absence of a sustainable host venue. Tokyo offers a modern, high‑profile setting with robust infrastructure and a sizeable tennis‑enthusiast population. The Japanese Tennis Association has also expressed enthusiasm for hosting a top‑tier event, and the partnership is expected to strengthen the sport’s presence in the region.

Tournament Format

The 48‑player singles draw is designed to accommodate a mix of top‑ranked competitors and rising stars. The 24‑team doubles field will follow the same 48‑player model. Players will be able to earn 1,000 ranking points for the champion, a full 1,000‑point haul that aligns with other Masters 1000 tournaments such as Indian Wells, Miami, Monte‑Carlo, Madrid, Rome, Canada, Cincinnati, and Paris.

The prize money for the tournament is projected at US$4.4 million—an increase of roughly 10 % over the ATP’s 2023 500‑level event held in Tokyo (the Tokyo Open). This boost signals the ATP’s commitment to delivering high‑level competition that rewards top performers generously.

Impact on the Calendar

The new event is set to fill a gap left by Shanghai and provide a “safety net” for players who have completed the US Open. The late‑September slot allows players to secure additional points before the highly competitive Paris Masters and the ATP Finals. In addition, the timing dovetails with the Asia‑Pacific circuit, making it easier for players traveling from the U.S. to compete in Japan without an extended lay‑off.

The 2024 schedule also features a re‑imagined calendar for players seeking to balance rest with competition. The ATP has indicated that this change is part of a broader strategy to maintain a high level of competition throughout the year, especially in regions where tennis is experiencing rapid growth.

Official Statements

ATP President Massimo Calvelli commented on the change: “Adding the Tokyo Masters 1000 to our calendar reflects the ATP’s commitment to expanding the sport’s global reach. We’re delighted to bring this level of competition to Japan, and we look forward to the exciting matches that will ensue.” Calvelli also noted that the new event would “further enhance the ATP’s presence in Asia and provide players with a top‑tier opportunity outside of the Western Hemisphere.”

In the same press release, the ATP highlighted the benefits to local fans, citing a projected attendance of over 60,000 for the week‑long event, with a robust media partnership that will broadcast the tournament worldwide. This is a significant increase from the previous 250‑level tournament, suggesting that the ATP expects the Tokyo Masters to capture a large share of the Japanese and regional audience.

What It Means for Players

Players will view the new tournament as a chance to gather crucial ranking points and adapt to hard‑court conditions ahead of the Paris Masters. The event’s timing after the US Open provides a window for those who are still in tournament shape or seeking to capitalize on momentum. Additionally, the ATP’s scheduling places the event in a high‑visibility window that ensures strong television coverage and sponsorship exposure, a key factor for the commercial viability of the event.

The ATP’s decision to allocate a full 1,000 points to the champion signals that the tournament is treated with the same prestige as existing Masters 1000 venues. For the top players, winning in Tokyo could secure a vital boost in the rankings, while for lower‑ranked players it offers a rare chance to compete at a high level against the top 10, and the financial rewards are substantial.

Looking Ahead

The 2024 Tokyo Masters 1000 will not only serve as an exciting addition to the ATP Tour but also as a litmus test for future expansions. Should the event succeed in attracting top talent and delivering robust fan engagement, it could pave the way for additional Masters 1000 tournaments in other Asian markets. This aligns with the ATP’s broader goal of nurturing tennis worldwide and offering fans in diverse regions the opportunity to witness elite competition live.

The Tokyo Masters also promises to be a springboard for Japanese players. With the tournament’s prestige and prize money on offer, home‑grown talents such as Naomi Osaka and Yūichi Sugita could benefit from direct wild‑cards, providing a platform to compete against the world’s best on a prestigious stage. Such exposure is likely to inspire a new generation of players and fans.

In short, the addition of the Tokyo Masters 1000 to the ATP calendar underscores the league’s commitment to global expansion, enhanced competition, and the continued elevation of tennis standards across the world. Players, fans, and sponsors alike stand to gain from this new, high‑profile event, and the 2024 calendar is set to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.