KUALA LUMPUR – The Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) has pledged to address concerns raised by national tennis players regarding tournament compensation through its Motivate to Perform (MTP) incentive scheme.
The governing body’s response follows dissatisfaction among several players in the national top 10, who voiced concerns over the financial rewards for competing in domestic LTAM-sanctioned tournaments, particularly when compared to the structure of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tours.
For context, the ATP Tour, including the ATP Masters 1000, ATP 500, ATP 250, and the United Cup, offers approximately USD6,000 (RM26,798) to players who compete or advance to the next round.
In contrast, Malaysian tennis players competing in LTAM-sanctioned tournaments are spending around RM1,150 per tournament, with minimal financial returns.
Speaking to Scoop, LTAM secretary-general Muhammad Shahrul Hafidz Rahim emphasised that the MTP scheme was specifically designed to address these concerns, ensuring players receive fair compensation and remain motivated to compete in both local and international events.
Under the MTP scheme, national players competing in LTAM tournaments will receive a reimbursement of RM 5,000 to cover their expenses if they qualify for the next round or the last 16.
A reimbursement of RM 10,000 will be provided to finalists or champions, excluding the prize money.
“We’ve spent years refining the MTP scheme to ensure that we’re seen as a governing body actively supporting our tennis players,” Hafidz told Scoop.
“There have been instances where athletes felt the costs of competing outweighed the financial rewards. With initiatives like this, we aim to motivate players by offering financial security to cover their expenses during tournaments.
“This creates a win-win situation: the tournaments continue, and players feel encouraged to compete without feeling demotivated.
“More importantly, we’re focused on the players’ rankings. Regular competition, both locally and internationally, is key to maintaining their rankings. That’s why we developed the MTP scheme to ensure they keep playing rather than quitting.”
Hafidz also expressed hope that LTAM’s state affiliates would adopt the MTP scheme to keep local players committed to the sport.
“I hope all our affiliates follow suit. We want our state players to progress and excel. This is for the future of our players, as we aim to return to the Podium Programme.
“Currently, we’re in the phase Podium Programme, and we need to prove our results to the National Sports Council (NSC) to re-enter the full-time Podium Programme.
“We must continue to progress, and state affiliates should align with LTAM’s five-year development plan to expand the pool of players,” Hafidz added.
As part of its five-year development plan, LTAM aims to increase the participation of young tennis players by utilising existing facilities across the nation.
Recently, LTAM introduced the Red, Orange, and Green Development Programme for players aged 10 and under.
This initiative follows the ITF guidelines and involves using red, orange, and green balls, as well as smaller rackets and mini tennis courts with lowered nets.
It was reported that LTAM is bidding to host the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group IV competition in Malaysia next year and expects to continue hosting the Billie Jean King Asia-Oceania Group II competition in Kuala Lumpur for a fourth consecutive season.
This, however, remains subject to approval from the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The tournaments are expected to be held in July. — December 18, 2024
