Doubles Players Appeal to Tennis Authorities to Safeguard Their Format

Doubles Players Call on Tennis Leaders to Preserve Their Format

Tennis is more than just singles stars competing for titles. Doubles has its own heroes, intense rivalries, and dedicated followers. It remains a vital part of the sport, especially at the club level. Yet, plans by the ATP for the future have sparked worries about how much space doubles will retain on the professional circuit. A group of prominent doubles players has now banded together to oppose proposed changes and urge tennis officials to rethink their strategy.

The open letter, addressed to the ATP board and management, has gathered signatures from 137 current players, 33 former pros, and 20 national tennis federations. Their main worry is that the suggested reforms could reduce professional chances and shift roughly $20 million in prize money from doubles to singles. They argue that a healthy professional sport cannot depend solely on a few top singles players; it requires routes for athletes to grow, compete, and earn a living, according to The Guardian.

This issue has been simmering since Wimbledon, when players learned the ATP was reviewing doubles regulations as part of a broader plan for 2028 and beyond. The proposals suggest reducing Masters 1000 doubles draws from 32 teams to 16, while ATP 500 and ATP 250 events would drop to just eight pairs. The share of prize money for doubles might also fall from 20% to 10%.

For those specializing in doubles, these changes carry serious consequences beyond fewer spots in tournaments. Smaller draws mean fewer opportunities to compete, earn ranking points, and financially support themselves. The letter stresses that such cuts could make it much harder for skilled players to build and maintain a professional doubles career.

Support from Top Names and Federations

The campaign has backing from some of doubles’ biggest figures. Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash and legends like the Bryan Brothers, Bob and Mike Bryan, are among the signatories. Current world No. 1 Henry Patten and his partner Harri Heliövaara have also voiced concerns publicly.

Patten brought up the issue during his Wimbledon victory speech after winning the men’s doubles title with Heliövaara. He called for more opportunities for young players, whether they choose singles or doubles. His words echo a widespread fear among specialists that fewer professional chances might discourage emerging talents from committing to doubles full time.

Dutch player Sem Verbeek, the 2025 Wimbledon mixed doubles champion and a leading voice in the campaign, told The Guardian the ATP must involve players directly in decisions affecting their futures. He warned that the proposed changes endanger the discipline’s past, present, and future.

Verbeek also disputed the notion that doubles careers are less valuable than singles. He criticized the ATP for under-investing in doubles promotion and urged collaboration with players to expand the format’s audience rather than cutting opportunities. The players aren’t against reform altogether but want meaningful talks before changes reshape their profession.

The Argentine Tennis Association backs the letter too. Among supporters is Horacio Zeballos, a top figure in men’s doubles. The letter emphasizes that doubles provides an accessible entry point for grassroots and club players, suggesting that limiting professional chances sends the wrong message to participants and fans alike.

ATP Responds and Broader Reforms Underway

The ATP states it aims to create a sustainable long-term model for doubles. Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said the format will remain central to the ATP Tour. He noted the review intends to find a structure that benefits tournaments, fans, and the wider player pathway.

Discussions continue with the Player Advisory Council, with year-end meetings in Turin expected to be key as officials consider the overall reform package.

Wider Changes Set for 2028

The doubles debate is part of a larger effort to reshape men’s pro tennis. In October, the ATP outlined proposals for 2028 covering player pay, rankings, and the calendar. The goal is to boost financial support and simplify scheduling.

A major proposal involves player compensation. The ATP wants to raise the bonus pool from $21.5 million to $50 million. It also suggests $25 million in year-end career support for those ranked inside the top 250, plus about $30 million annually in pension contributions for 300 players. Overall, player pay could reach roughly $350 million yearly from 2028, excluding Grand Slam earnings.

The ranking system might change too, giving more weight to results at top tournaments and removing incentives for playing extra events after poor performances. One idea is to stop allowing players to replace weaker Masters 1000 results with better ATP 500 or 250 finishes.

The calendar aims for clearer scheduling, with dedicated weeks for different tournament levels and fewer ATP 250 events. A tenth Masters 1000 event is planned in Saudi Arabia for 2028. These tweaks seek a more organized season encouraging players to focus on major events.

These reforms still need consultation and approval. The ATP’s meetings in Turin will be crucial in deciding which ideas move forward.