The Monte Carlos Masters tournament director, Zeljko Franulovic, confirmed on Sunday rumours that the franchise holders in Indian Wells and Shanghai are preparing to invest “hundreds of millions” to upgrade their events beyond the status of ATP 1000 tournaments.
“It’s a big investment,” Franulovic said. “I understand that in 2018 and 2019, when [prize-money and points] will be redistributed, they will want to make sure they are in a good position. We here are aware of our value as a Masters 1000.
“If things do change, it’s not just because one tournament asks for it. It has implications over the [whole] calendar. This is a wish expressed by [two] tournaments. It is not a final decision on a new format.”
