A coalition of 137 active players, 33 former professionals, and 20 federations has formally requested that the ATP reconsider restructuring plans for doubles competition. The group acknowledged the necessity of reforms within the sport but expressed deep concern regarding current proposals set for 2028 and beyond. According to in a letter addressed to the ATP board and management and signed by 137 active players, 33 former players and 20 federations, the group, It understood the need for reforms but was deeply concerned about the plans. According to the ATP, This month it was reviewing potential changes to the size of the doubles draws at tournaments as part of its plans for 2028 and beyond, with the freed-up funds going towards singles qualifying and early-rou. That shift would make it much harder for talented players to build and sustain a doubles career. Not close them, a sport built on those values should open doors.
Under discussion are measures to reduce doubles team entries at elite ATP Masters 1000 tournaments from 32 down to 16, with similarly smaller fields expected at lower-tier events. Concerns center on a projected shift of approximately $20 million in prize money from doubles into singles purses, which critics argue would significantly curtail professional opportunities for doubles specialists and create financial barriers for rising talent. With events below that level featuring smaller fields, the plans being discussed include cutting the number of doubles teams at elite ATP Masters 1000 events to 16 from 32.
World number 60 Sem Verbeek criticized the strategy on social media, stating that tennis is more than a business venture and represents a legacy of sportsmanship. Verbeek emphasized that professional tennis must maintain pathways for players to develop and earn a living rather than relying solely on top-tier singles stars. The group argues that narrowing the field risks weakening the sport’s overall health and accessibility.
The ATP, which has been contacted for comment, previously stated that doubles remains a core element of its tour. The governing body is currently seeking a sustainable long-term model while planning to increase its total player compensation pool to $350 million by 2028. This broader financial package includes plans to raise the tour’s bonus pool from $21.5 million to $50 million.
Management officials noted that these ongoing reviews aim to balance the tour’s calendar and rankings, with official discussions set to continue alongside the Player Advisory Council. Further deliberations are expected during the year-end meetings scheduled in Turin next month.
