Tennis Channel’s Jim Courier posed an excellent idea to the professional tennis governing bodies who put on the WTA Finals and ATP Finals.
The WTA Finals and ATP Finals are exclusive end-of-year events for the top eight ranked singles and doubles players.
In 2026, the WTA Finals are moving to Indian Wells. This is a temporary home since the entity decided that 2026 would be the final year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia but ultimately reconsidered due to the ongoing unrest in that part of the world. The ATP holds its event in Turin, Italy.
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Courier says a joint WTA and ATP event is best
As we all watch the WTA and ATP players at Wimbledon, it is almost a no-brainer. However, Courier mentioned it on air and thought that the entities should communicate and figure out a way to make it happen.
Courier said that tennis is the best at promoting joint women’s and men’s events. That’s true. Golf is another individual sport, and we do not see the men and women competing at events at the same place and time.
Though he did not say it, a joint event could also open the possibility to mixed doubles teams competing in year-end finals events. It would also make the events more fan-friendly.
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This could take years to organize, but it is well worth the effort. For the moment, these will be two separate events, both occurring in November of each year.
The WTA Finals are scheduled to take place from November 8-15, 2026. Elena Rybakina is the defending singles champion.
Nov 6, 2023; Cancun, Mexico; Iga Swiatek (POL) poses with the trophy after winning her final match against Jessica Pegula (USA) on day nine of the GNP Saguaros WTA Finals Cancun. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
The ATP Finals will happen the following week, November 15-22, 2026. Jannik Sinner is the defending singles champion.
Both events will air on the Tennis Channel.
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