Doubles players urge ATP to step back

Leading men's doubles players have called on the ATP Tour, in a joint letter, to rethink plans to reduce doubles draws at tournaments and move prize money toward singles. The letter was sent to the ATP board and management. It was signed by 137 active players, 33 former players and 20 federations.

The group said it understands the need for reform but expressed serious concern about the plans under discussion. The letter stressed that the plans would shift around 20 million dollars in prize money from doubles to singles, removing many professional opportunities for doubles specialists. The players said the change would make it harder for talented athletes to build a career in doubles.

This month the ATP said it is reviewing doubles draw sizes as part of its plan for 2028 and beyond. The body is reportedly considering moving the freed-up resources into singles early-round prizes and earlier-stage rewards. The plans also call for cutting the number of doubles teams at Elite Masters 1000 events from 32 to 16, with smaller draws at lower levels.

Dutch player Sem Verbeek argued that the ATP should serve the interests of all its members. Verbeek said tennis is more than a job and that a sport built on those values should open its doors rather than close them.

The ATP also announced this month a plan to reshape the rankings and calendar as part of a package that would raise the bonus pool from 21.5 million dollars to 50 million dollars and aim to lift player earnings to 350 million dollars from 2028.