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When you hear the name ATP, it’s easy to assume it only covers men’s tennis. After all, the men’s tour gets more TV time, more headlines, and more social media buzz. But is that the whole picture? Let’s cut through the noise and look at what ATP actually is - and what it isn’t.
What ATP Really Stands For
ATP stands for Association of Tennis Professionals a global organization that governs professional men’s tennis tournaments and rankings. It was founded in 1972 to give male players a unified voice and structure in a sport that was previously run by national associations and independent promoters.
Before the ATP, players had little control over tournament rules, prize money, or scheduling. The ATP changed that. It created a unified ranking system, standardized rules across events, and gave players a seat at the table. Today, the ATP Tour includes over 60 tournaments worldwide, from small challenger events to the four Grand Slams (which are run separately by the ITF).
ATP and Women’s Tennis: A Common Confusion
Many people mix up the ATP with the WTA - the Women’s Tennis Association the governing body for women’s professional tennis since 1973. The WTA runs the women’s professional tour, including the same four Grand Slams, plus 30+ WTA events each year. It’s a separate organization with its own rankings, sponsors, and broadcast deals.
So, no - the ATP does not run women’s tennis. The WTA does. But here’s where things get tricky: you’ll often see both tours playing at the same venues. For example, the Miami Open and the Indian Wells Masters host both ATP and WTA events back-to-back. Same courts. Same ball kids. Same crowds. But different tournaments, different prize money, and different governing bodies.
Why the Confusion Exists
Media coverage plays a big part. In the U.S. and Europe, major networks often air ATP matches during prime time and WTA matches in the afternoon. This creates the false impression that ATP = all of professional tennis. Even the word "tour" gets used loosely. People say, "I watched the tennis tour last weekend," without realizing they’re only watching half of it.
Another reason? Prize money. In 2025, the ATP Finals offered $15 million in prize money. The WTA Finals offered $14 million. But the gap is wider at lower levels. Most ATP 250 events pay out $500,000 or more. Many WTA 250 events pay $250,000. That difference fuels the myth that ATP is the "real" tour.
But here’s the truth: both tours are professional. Both have world-class athletes. Both have global fanbases. The difference isn’t in quality - it’s in history, marketing, and funding.
Do They Ever Work Together?
Yes. While they’re separate, the ATP and WTA do coordinate on key issues. Both organizations work with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) on Grand Slam rules. They also share tournament infrastructure - the same line judges, same ball machines, same medical staff. In 2023, they jointly launched a campaign to improve player mental health support across both tours.
They also share technology. The Hawk-Eye system used for line calls? Same for ATP and WTA. The same match stats platform tracks serve speed, rally length, and unforced errors for both men and women. The data is collected the same way. The only difference? The names on the scoreboard.
What About Mixed Doubles?
Mixed doubles is where ATP and WTA players actually compete together. At the Grand Slams, mixed doubles teams are always one man and one woman. These events are run by the ITF, not the ATP or WTA. But you’ll see top ATP players like Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner partnering with WTA stars like Iga Świątek or Aryna Sabalenka. It’s one of the few times you see both tours truly intersect on court.
Is There a Plan to Merge Them?
There have been talks. In 2021, former WTA CEO Steve Simon suggested a unified men’s and women’s tour under one governing body. He argued it would simplify scheduling, reduce costs, and boost visibility. But the idea was met with resistance. Players on both sides worry about losing autonomy, especially over prize money distribution and tournament scheduling.
ATP players are concerned that a merger could mean less focus on men’s events. WTA players fear their tour would be absorbed and lose its identity. So far, both organizations have chosen to remain separate - but more collaborative than ever.
What You Should Remember
- The ATP governs only men’s professional tennis.
- The WTA governs women’s professional tennis.
- Both tours run parallel events, often at the same venues.
- Prize money and media coverage differ, but not because one is "better."
- Mixed doubles is the only official event where ATP and WTA players compete together.
If you’re watching a match and hear "ATP," it’s a men’s match. If you see "WTA," it’s women’s. Don’t assume one is the default. Both are equally professional. Both have legends. Both are worth your attention.
Is the ATP Tour only for men?
Yes. The ATP Tour is exclusively for male professional tennis players. It manages rankings, schedules, and rules for men’s events worldwide. Women’s tennis is governed by the WTA, which runs its own independent tour with separate tournaments and rankings.
Do ATP and WTA tournaments happen at the same time?
Often, yes. Major tournaments like the Miami Open, Indian Wells, and Madrid Open host both ATP and WTA events in the same week. They share the same facilities, but the matches are scheduled separately. You’ll see men play Monday through Thursday, and women play Friday through Sunday - or vice versa, depending on the event.
Why does the ATP get more media attention than the WTA?
Historically, men’s tennis has received more broadcast deals and sponsorship funding. Networks often prioritize ATP events because they’ve traditionally drawn larger audiences. But this is changing. WTA stars like Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff are breaking viewership records, and more networks are now giving equal airtime. The gap is narrowing - fast.
Can a woman compete in an ATP tournament?
No. ATP tournaments are restricted to male players who are ranked on the ATP Tour. The rules are clear: entry is based on gender-specific rankings. There have been rare exhibition matches - like when Martina Navratilova played against ATP players in the 1980s - but these were not official ATP events and didn’t count toward rankings.
Do ATP and WTA players train the same way?
The fundamentals are nearly identical. Both train with strength coaches, sports psychologists, and nutritionists. The main difference is in volume and intensity. Men’s matches tend to be longer - best-of-five sets at Grand Slams - so ATP players often train for endurance. WTA players focus more on speed, agility, and shot precision, since matches are best-of-three and often more tactical. But the training methods? Very similar.
