LONDON, December 19, 2025 (ATP Media Release)

The ATP has announced the launch of a new Safeguarding Programme, effective January 2026, marking a major step forward in strengthening safety and wellbeing across all ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Tour tournaments.

Built on trauma-informed principles and aligned with international best practice, the Programme introduces a clear, global framework for preventing and responding to abuse, including cases of harassment, bullying, domestic violence and other forms of misconduct.

The initiative follows ATP’s Independent Safeguarding Report and reflects the organisation’s long-term commitment to raising professional standards and ensuring consistent protections across the sport.

Structured around three core pillars — Policies & Procedures, Prevention, and Response — the Safeguarding Programme will be implemented across all ATP-sanctioned tournaments worldwide.

Eno Polo, ATP CEO, said: “Everyone involved in our events — from players and their teams to staff and volunteers — deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued. This programme helps make that a reality. By introducing clear protections against abuse, we’re strengthening the culture of tennis and aligning our sport with global standards of governance and care.”

Key elements of the Safeguarding Programme include:

• Comprehensive safeguarding policies, including a code of conduct with specific provisions addressing abuse, domestic violence, harassment, and inappropriate conduct.
• Training for ATP staff, players, player support teams, and tournament personnel, to be rolled out across 2026.
• A Designated Safeguarding Officer at every ATP Tour and Challenger Tour tournament.
• Clear, accessible reporting channels, including confidential and anonymous options.
• Independent oversight through a newly established Safeguarding Advisory Panel, as well as an independent external appeals process.
• Enhanced Safe Sport protections against online abuse, using AI moderation and human review to detect and address harmful content.

Andrew Azzopardi, ATP Director of Safeguarding, said: “Our approach is grounded in trauma-informed principles, supported by clear reporting channels, consistent procedures, and independent oversight. We want every player, staff member, and volunteer to feel safe, supported, and confident in the processes we’re putting in place to protect them.”

By establishing a consistent global standard, the Safeguarding Programme aligns ATP with safeguarding frameworks adopted across the wider sports industry and promotes a culture where safety, integrity and respect are shared responsibilities.

ATP will continue to collaborate with stakeholders including the WTA, ITF and Grand Slams to promote strong and unified safeguarding standards across tennis.