Most tournaments in a calendar year?

[Ronaldo]

Just heard Feliciano Lopez played 31 tournaments last year. What is the record for tournaments played and who holds it?

 

[Kevin Patrick]

I'm sure it was probably pre-open era. The oldies get knocked a lot on these boards, but they were tough, playing every week, no tie-breaks.

 

[Camilio Pascual]

Just heard Feliciano Lopez played 31 tournaments last year. What is the record for tournaments played and who holds it?

Don't know if it is the record for males, but Vilas played 33 tournies in 1977, winning 17 of them. I'd be surprised if the record would be in the pre-Open Era. Players didn't travel as much, travel was slower and more expensive. There was also less money at stake in the shamateurs. I wouldn't be surprised if some WTA players have played more than 30 tournies.

 

[rhubarb]

It's not unusual for some players to play more than 30. Of course the better you do, the more difficult it is. Rainer Schuettler normally plays 30+, in his good year last year I think it was "only" 28.

Vilas playing 33 and winning 17 was incredible. I don't think anyone in the ATP could manage that kind of effort nowadays. Federer has won 10, but will have played less than 20 tournaments by the end of the year.