ATP 500 tournaments represent the middle tier of the men’s professional calendar, positioned between ATP 250 events and the Masters 1000 series. The “500” refers to the 500 ranking points awarded to the singles champion.
These events often attract stronger fields than ATP 250 tournaments and play a major role in ranking battles throughout the season.
What Is an ATP 500 Tournament
ATP 500 tournaments:
- Offer 500 ranking points to the winner
- Typically feature top-20 and top-10 players
- Serve as preparation for Grand Slams and Masters events
- Occur on multiple surfaces throughout the year
They are strategically important in shaping seeding and rankings.
Ranking Points at ATP 500 Events (Singles)
- Champion: 500
- Finalist: 330
- Semifinalist: 200
- Quarterfinalist: 100
- Round of 16: 50
Points count within the ATP 52-week ranking structure.
Draw Size and Format
Common Draw Sizes
- 32-player draw
- 48-player draw
Match Format
- Best-of-three sets
- Standard tiebreak rules
Seeds are distributed to prevent early-round matchups between top-ranked players.
Why ATP 500 Events Matter
ATP 500 tournaments often:
- Influence year-end top-10 positioning
- Provide momentum ahead of Masters 1000 events
- Offer substantial ranking returns
- Feature strong competitive depth
Many players rely on consistent 500-level results to stabilize rankings.
ATP 500 vs Other Tiers
| Level | Winner Points | Typical Draw |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Slam | 2,000 | 128 |
| Masters 1000 | 1,000 | 56–96 |
| ATP 500 | 500 | 32–48 |
| ATP 250 | 250 | 28–32 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ATP 500 tournaments are there?
Typically around 13–16 per season, depending on the calendar.
Are ATP 500 tournaments mandatory?
Some participation requirements apply to top players under ATP rules.
Do ATP 500 winners receive automatic major seeding advantages?
No direct seeding guarantees, but ranking gains influence seedings
