ATP Tour Announces New Sustainability Initiatives for 2024

The ATP Tour has unveiled a series of sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of professional tennis tournaments worldwide. Announced on Tuesday in London, the plan includes measures to cut carbon emissions, reduce waste, and promote eco-friendly practices across all ATP events.

The initiatives will be implemented starting in 2024, with a focus on major tournaments such as the ATP Finals and Grand Slam events. Key strategies include transitioning to renewable energy sources, eliminating single-use plastics, and enhancing recycling programs at venues. ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “As a global sport, we have a responsibility to lead by example and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

The ATP has partnered with environmental organizations to develop the plan, which also includes a commitment to offsetting carbon emissions from player travel. According to the organization, professional tennis generates approximately 300,000 metric tons of CO2 annually, with player and staff travel accounting for a significant portion. The new measures aim to reduce this figure by 50% over the next decade.

Several top players have already voiced their support for the initiatives. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic said, “This is a crucial step for our sport. We all need to do our part to protect the planet for future generations.” Other players, including Rafael Nadal and Stefanos Tsitsipas, have pledged to adopt more sustainable practices in their personal lives and during tournaments.

The ATP’s announcement comes amid growing pressure on sports organizations to address their environmental impact. Recent studies have highlighted the significant carbon footprint of large-scale sporting events, prompting calls for greater accountability. The ATP’s plan is seen as a proactive response to these concerns, setting a new standard for sustainability in professional sports.

In addition to environmental measures, the ATP will launch an educational campaign to raise awareness among fans and encourage them to adopt eco-friendly habits. The organization also plans to collaborate with tournament organizers to ensure consistent implementation of the initiatives across all events.