What Is 2000 ATP Tour World Championships

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2000 ATP Tour World Championships, officially known as the Tennis Masters Series, concluded with the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup held in Lisbon, Portugal, from November 13–20, 2000, where Gustavo Kuerten defeated Andre Agassi in the final to claim his first year-end championship title.

Key Facts

The 2000 Tennis Masters Cup took place in Lisbon, Portugal from November 13–20, 2000
Gustavo Kuerten won the singles title, defeating Andre Agassi 6–4, 6–4, 6–4 in the final
It was the first year the season finale used a round-robin format instead of single elimination
Eight top-ranked players qualified based on ATP Tour rankings
The event was held at the Pavilhão Atlântico in Lisbon with a hard court surface

Overview

The 2000 ATP Tour World Championships, branded as the Tennis Masters Cup, marked the culmination of the men’s professional tennis season. Held in Lisbon, Portugal, it was the first year the ATP introduced a new round-robin format for the year-end championship, replacing the traditional knockout style to increase competitive balance and viewer engagement.

This restructured event featured the top eight singles players and doubles teams based on the ATP rankings after the conclusion of the regular season. The tournament took place from November 13 to 20, 2000, at the Pavilhão Atlântico, a modern indoor arena equipped with a hard court surface, drawing global attention to Portugal as a new host for elite tennis.

Gustavo Kuerten claimed his first year-end championship title by defeating Andre Agassi in straight sets, 6–4, 6–4, 6–4, showcasing dominant baseline play.
The event was the first to implement a round-robin group stage, where eight players were split into two groups of four before advancing to semifinals.
Players qualified based on the ATP Champions Race, a ranking system tracking points earned only during that calendar year, not career totals.
Lisbon, Portugal hosted the event for the first time, marking a shift in the ATP’s strategy to bring marquee events to new international markets.
The tournament offered a record $3.7 million in prize money, with Kuerten earning $1.3 million for his undefeated run through the event.

How It Works

The Tennis Masters Cup used a unique qualification and competition structure designed to reward consistency and performance across the season.

Qualification: The top eight singles players qualified based on the ATP Champions Race, which tallied points from tournaments played during the 2000 season.
Round-Robin Format: Players were divided into two groups of four; each played three matches, and the top two from each group advanced to the semifinals.
Seeding: Seeding was determined by year-end rankings, with Andre Agassi seeded first after finishing the year ranked No. 1.
Surface: The event was played on indoor hard courts, a surface chosen to standardize conditions and ensure consistency in play.
Prize Money: Total purse was $3.7 million, with undefeated champions earning $1.3 million, the largest single payout in men’s tennis at the time.
Points Awarded: Winners earned 500 ATP ranking points, crucial for year-end rankings and seeding in the following season’s tournaments.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2000 Tennis Masters Cup with previous and subsequent editions:

Year	Location	Format	Champion	Prize Money
1999	Hanover, Germany	Single Elimination	Andre Agassi	$2.6 million
2000	Lisbon, Portugal	Round-Robin + Knockout	Gustavo Kuerten	$3.7 million
2001	Sydney, Australia	Round-Robin + Knockout	Lleyton Hewitt	$3.9 million
2002	Shanghai, China	Round-Robin + Knockout	Lleyton Hewitt	$4.0 million
2003	Houston, USA	Round-Robin + Knockout	Roger Federer	$3.9 million

The 2000 edition stands out as a turning point in ATP history, introducing a format that would become standard for future year-end championships. The move to Lisbon and the round-robin system emphasized inclusivity and extended competitive opportunities for top players, setting a precedent for global hosting and structured group play in elite tennis.

Why It Matters

The 2000 ATP Tour World Championships had lasting implications for the structure and global reach of men’s professional tennis. By relocating the event to Lisbon and overhauling the format, the ATP demonstrated a commitment to innovation and international expansion.

The round-robin format reduced the impact of a single bad day, making the title more reflective of season-long excellence rather than one-match luck.
Hosting in Lisbon expanded the ATP’s footprint into Southern Europe, paving the way for future events in non-traditional tennis markets.
Gustavo Kuerten’s victory solidified his status as a top player, making him the first South American to win the year-end title since 1977.
The increased prize money set a new benchmark, encouraging players to remain competitive throughout the season to qualify.
The event’s success influenced the 2009 rebranding into the ATP World Tour Finals, maintaining the group-stage format to this day.
Broadcast viewership rose by 18% compared to 1999, indicating heightened global interest due to the new format and location.

The 2000 Tennis Masters Cup was not just a tournament—it was a pivotal moment in modernizing men’s tennis, blending competitive fairness with strategic global outreach.