History of ATP Finals in Timeline

The ATP Finals is the year-end championship for the ATP Tour, showcasing the top eight singles players and doubles teams based on their performance throughout the season. This event is only second in importance to the four Grand Slam tournaments. A spot is reserved for a major winner ranked between ninth and twentieth, should the need arise.

1970: Inaugural Masters Grand Prix

In 1970, the championship began as the Masters Grand Prix, part of the Grand Prix tennis circuit organized by the International Lawn Tennis Federation (ILTF).

1970: First ATP Finals Tournament

In 1970, the tournament was first held shortly after the beginning of the Open Era.

1971: Start of competing WCT Finals

In 1971, the WCT Finals began, running alongside the Masters Grand Prix.

1974: Outdoor edition

In 1974, the ATP Finals was played outdoors.

1974: Outdoor Tournament in Melbourne

In 1974, the event was held outdoors in Melbourne.

1974: Grass Courts in Melbourne

In 1974, when Melbourne hosted the event, the grass courts of Kooyong Stadium were used.

1975: Australian Open on Grass

In 1975, the Australian Open was played on grass, following the ATP finals the year prior.

1978: Start of Fleming and McEnroe's Doubles Dominance

In 1978, Peter Fleming and John McEnroe began their dominant run in the doubles tournament, starting their streak of consecutive titles.

1984: End of Fleming and McEnroe's Doubles Dominance

In 1984, Peter Fleming and John McEnroe concluded their dominant run in the doubles tournament, after having won 7 titles consecutively.

1989: End of WCT Finals competition

In 1989, the WCT Finals concluded, having run alongside the Masters Grand Prix since 1971.

1990: No Sponsorship

In 1990 the competition was not sponsored, even though the singles portion of the event, as part of the ATP Tour, was sponsored by IBM.

1990: ATP Takes Over and Introduces World Ranking Points

In 1990, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) took over the running of the men's tour, replacing the Masters with the "ATP Tour World Championships". World ranking points were introduced, with a maximum of 1500 points for an undefeated champion. The ITF created the Grand Slam Cup as a rival year-end event.

December 1999: ATP and ITF Create the Tennis Masters Cup

In December 1999, the ATP and ITF agreed to discontinue their separate events and create a new jointly owned event called the "Tennis Masters Cup," maintaining the eight-player format with accommodations for major champions ranked outside the top eight.

2003: Outdoor edition

In 2003, the ATP Finals was played outdoors.

2003: Outdoor Tournament in Houston

In 2003, the event was held outdoors in Houston.

2004: Outdoor edition

In 2004, the ATP Finals was played outdoors.

2008: No Sponsorship

In 2008 the competition was not sponsored, even though the singles portion of the event, as part of the ATP Tour, was sponsored by IBM.

2009: Championship Renamed to ATP World Tour Finals

In 2009, the championship was renamed the "ATP World Tour Finals" and was held at The O2 Arena in London.

2009: Barclays Becomes Title Sponsor

In 2009, the tournament gained Barclays PLC as its title sponsor.

2013: Extension of London Contract

In 2013, the contract to host the ATP World Tour Finals in London's The O2 Arena was extended.

2015: Barclays Announces End of Sponsorship

In 2015, Barclays confirmed that they would not renew their sponsorship deal once it expires in 2016.

2015: WTA and ATP Finals prize money

Since 2015, the prize money for the ATP and WTA Finals was not the same, up until 2024.

2016: End of Barclays Sponsorship

In 2016, Barclays sponsorship deal expired.

May 2017: Nitto Denko Announced as Main Sponsor

On 25 May 2017, it was announced that Nitto Denko would be the main sponsor for the tournament through 2020.

2017: Event renamed to ATP Finals

In 2017, the event was renamed the "ATP Finals".

April 2019: Turin to Host ATP Finals

In April 2019, the ATP announced that Turin would host the ATP Finals from 2021 to 2025.

2019: Group Standings Criteria

In 2019, the group standings at the end of the round-robin stage were determined.

September 2020: Nitto Denko Extends Sponsorship

In September 2020, Nitto Denko announced it will extend its title partnership of the ATP Finals for another five years, until 2025.

2020: Introduction of Electronic Line-Calling and Video Review

In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the ATP introduced live electronic line-calling powered by Hawk-Eye Live and video review for suspected double bounces, touches, and other reviewable calls to reduce on-site staff.

2020: Last ATP Finals in London

In 2020, the last ATP Finals was held at The O2 Arena in London.

2021: ATP Finals in Turin

In 2021, Turin began hosting the ATP Finals.

2023: Increased prize money pool

In 2023, the total prize money pool for the ATP Finals was less than in 2024.

2024: Sinner Wins Title and Record Prize Money

In 2024, Sinner won the ATP Finals title and earned a record $4,881,100, the second-highest payout for a tournament winner in tennis.

2024: Prize Money Pool and Points

In 2024, the ATP Finals had a total prize money pool of $15,250,000, an increase of 1.67% compared to 2023, the same total as the WTA Finals for the first time since 2015.