ATP Masters 1000 tournaments sit just below the Grand Slams in prestige and ranking points. They form the core of the men’s professional calendar, shaping the race for No. 1, seeding at majors and qualification for the ATP Finals.
The series is defined by large draws, deep fields and high point totals. This guide explains what a Masters 1000 event is, how the tournaments are structured, how ranking points work and why these events are often considered the sport’s most important titles outside the majors.
What Is a Masters 1000 Event
Masters 1000 is the highest tier of ATP tournaments below the Grand Slams. The name comes from the 1,000 ranking points awarded to the singles champion at each event.
Masters 1000 tournaments typically feature:
- Most of the world’s top players
- Large draws and multiple match rounds
- Significant prize money
- Major influence on rankings and seeding
The Nine Masters 1000 Tournaments
The ATP Masters 1000 calendar includes nine events:
- Indian Wells
- Miami
- Monte Carlo
- Madrid
- Rome
- Canada (Toronto/Montreal)
- Cincinnati
- Shanghai
- Paris
(Some events rotate cities, such as the Canadian Open.)
Tournament Format and Draw Sizes
Masters 1000 events are not identical. Formats vary by tournament.
Common singles draw sizes
- 96-player draw (common at many Masters)
- 56-player draw (used at some events)
Byes
At 96-draw events, top seeds usually receive first-round byes, meaning they start in the second round.
Match format
- Best-of-three sets in all singles matches, including finals
Are Masters 1000 Events Mandatory
Most Masters 1000 tournaments are considered mandatory for top ATP players, with exceptions for injuries and other approved circumstances.
One key exception is Monte Carlo, which is typically treated differently than the others in the series.
(For clarity, you can later publish a separate evergreen explainer: “Are Masters 1000 Events Mandatory?” and link it here.)
Ranking Points at Masters 1000 Events
Masters 1000 points are second only to Grand Slams.
Typical singles points:
- Champion: 1,000
- Finalist: 650
- Semifinalist: 400
- Quarterfinalist: 200
- Round of 16: 100
(Exact distributions can vary slightly by era and tour adjustments, but this is the standard modern structure.)
How Masters 1000 Results Affect the Season
Masters 1000 results often determine:
- Seeding at Grand Slams
- Momentum heading into majors
- Year-end No. 1 battles
- ATP Finals qualification scenarios
Because these tournaments sit across multiple surfaces and regions, they also reveal which players can sustain elite performance year-round.
Masters 1000 vs Grand Slams
| Level | Winner Points | Match Format | Draw Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Slam | 2,000 | Best-of-five (men), Best-of-three (women) | 128 |
| Masters 1000 | 1,000 | Best-of-three | 56–96 |
Grand Slams remain the sport’s defining championships, but Masters 1000 events are the most important titles for week-to-week tour dominance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Masters 1000 tournaments are there?
Nine.
Do all Masters 1000 events have the same format?
No. Draw sizes and structures vary by event.
Is Monte Carlo a Masters 1000?
Yes, but it is often treated differently within participation rules.
How many points does the champion earn?
1,000.
