More than 150 active men’s doubles players have united in a formal protest, signing an open letter addressed to the ATP board and management to halt controversial reforms that threaten the viability of the discipline. The collective action follows a contentious meeting at Wimbledon, where officials revealed that the ATP is reviewing regulations that could slash doubles draws in half starting in 2028. The proposed changes would reduce Masters 1000 events to just 16 teams and limit ATP 500 and 250 main draws to only eight teams, a move the players argue fundamentally undermines the sport’s competitive structure.
Over 150 pros revolt against plans to halve draws and prize money by 2028.
The financial implications of the proposed overhaul are equally severe, with the total prize money allocated to doubles players potentially dropping from 20% to 10% of the total purse. This redistribution would shift the remaining funds exclusively to singles competitors, significantly impacting the earnings of professionals who rely on doubles as their primary career path. The letter highlights the economic fragility of the tour, noting that it is already “hard for players to build and sustain a doubles career” under current conditions, let alone with reduced opportunities and income.
This organized resistance marks a pivotal moment in ATP governance, as the player body moves from passive criticism to active lobbying to preserve the format. By mobilizing a substantial portion of the tour’s doubles contingent, the players are forcing the ATP to justify its strategic shift away from a balanced discipline. The outcome of this standoff will likely determine the future landscape of men’s professional tennis, with the players demanding that the governing body “protect” the format rather than dismantle it for the sake of singles-centric revenue models.
Source: The Guardian Sport
