Taylor Fritz got into huge trouble due to his recent comments about a breakaway, premium elite competition for top players. The American supported the ‘PGA-like’ idea of having a different Tour for top players consisting of Grand Slams, Masters 1000 and ATP Finals. However, Fritz was angered at the fact that he had to clarify himself on social media due to the backlash he faced.
The American has cleared his stance regarding the same on social media. Fritz mentioned that by top players, he meant the top 100 players on the ATP Tour and not just the top 20. The 26-year-old further said that ATP 250 tournaments are crucial for player rankings.
There is a top-125 in PGA Tour and by the end of the year, those who qualify are promoted while others are demoted. However, Fritz also admitted that he believes this will never happen in tennis and he was just answering a hypothetical question.
“Always need a follow up explanation for the people that can’t read… when I say separate or premium tour I am NOT saying only top players, as I said in the quote the “main top tour” should be made up of the top 100-120 players kind of like how top 125 in PGA get a tour card and at the end of the year some people go down and some people come up into main tour. Now I don’t think it will ever happen.”
Although Fritz did his best to explain his point of view, the tennis community still has different opinions regarding the American’s statement. Fritz has a good 2023 season as he made a name for himself as the next American star. However, these controversial statements will be an unwanted distraction for the 26-year-old. The American will be looking forward to challenge for big titles again in 2024 as he aims to go one step further and reach the Grand Slam finals.
Taylor Fritz divides opinion among tennis fans on social media
Fans on social media had mixed feelings about Fritz’s comments about a new Tour. While some fans admitted that this will be better from an enthusiast’s perspective, others argued that lower-ranked players will struggle because of this rule. Meanwhile, others felt that ATP 250 and Challenger events will have lower attendance due to this new Tour.
Taylor Fritz supports the idea of a premium elite tour for top players consisting of Grand Slams, Masters 1000s & ATP Finals:
“It’s a really good idea, and I think that we should have separate tours. If you’re on the main, top tour, you should be set to play all the big events,… pic.twitter.com/au8jQyZsFE
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 6, 2023
Always need a follow up explanation for the people that can’t read… when I say separate or premium tour I am NOT saying only top players, as I said in the quote the “main top tour” should be made up of the top 100-120 players kind of like how top 125 in PGA get a tour card and… https://t.co/JxJegojVSQ
— Taylor Fritz (@Taylor_Fritz97) December 11, 2023
And those who go down, where will they play to earn a living?
— Shhhh (@Jxxxxx024) December 11, 2023
Totally agree Taylor!
— Juan Pablo Simon (@Chelomaya) December 11, 2023
You literally want top 100-120 players to be protected at least for a year ? why ? An open system throughout the year is very good for the competition, especially for those fighting for the cutoff rankings, main draw or seedings spots at big events like slams, Masters 1000 etc ..
— Kelvin Gray (@0try) December 11, 2023
The beauty of the ATP is how the ranking changes every week, today you are 200 and in a month you are in the top 70.
— Fla (@Fla_Sinn) December 11, 2023
This concept has been discussed in the past at Player Council, Tournament Council and Board level. It never had support of the players or the tournaments and so it never got anywhere.
I’d say players were the most vocal against it in my day.
— Richard Ings : Renewable Energy Beneficiary (@ringsau) December 11, 2023
I understood you. You were just responding to the benefits of a hypothetical. I don’t think many current tennis fans understand the overall thought process behind the tour being able to promote and sell (especially TV rights) for a “super tour” or the new audience it might bring.
— The Tennisologist (@MrTennisologist) December 12, 2023
Why is everyone and his mother tries to fix the ATP when it is not broken…
(Ofc there are problems with money and etc but imho the fan experience is excellent, don’t understand why everyone is bothered about the fans where I hear no fans complaining)— Avi (@Avi24561464) December 11, 2023
Feel like the impact would be young players take longer to break through
— Ella ❤️ | Notoriously deported with stolen tweets (@tennis_poetry) December 11, 2023
A little cranky Taylor, but the idea is a good one. The PGA analogy makes a lot of sense.
— kathy_c62 (@kathy_c62) December 12, 2023
So you will play tournaments for players outside of top 120 , if i understood well, you only get points playing atp 250, so if you make this separation atp 250 tournament will be only for players outside of top 120.
— Shekey (@mandracj) December 12, 2023
