Doubles players express concerns over potential ATP cutbacks

A group of leading doubles players accused the men’s ATP Tour of attempting to "end doubles as a viable profession". In a meeting at Wimbledon on Tuesday, the ATP proposed significant changes, including the possibility of halving the size of doubles draws starting in 2028. This potential change could limit the number of competing teams to just 16 at ATP 1000 events and only eight at smaller tournaments.

Players warned that the percentage of prize money allocated to doubles could decrease from 20% to 10%, redistributing the funds to benefits for singles players. They stated, "Doubles isn’t a carnival sideshow. It is one of the most successful parts of tennis—integral to the amateur game—with the potential to do so much more." The players expressed concern that these proposals would harm the professional doubles circuit and deter prospective doubles players, endangering the entire support structure for the sport.

The statement emphasized that doubles has always played a crucial role in tennis, stating, "It has always been part of this sport’s identity, not a discount version of it."

During the recent Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells, tournament winner Jannik Sinner earned $1.151 million (£860,000), while doubles winners Guido Andreozzi and Manuel Guinard each took home $234,000 (£175,000). The players worried that under the proposed changes, there would be limited opportunities for doubles players ranked lower than the top 30, stating, "Do the maths on what that means for anyone outside the top 30: it will be impossible to make a living."

They critiqued the proposed changes as a significant alteration intended to eliminate viable professional pathways for doubles players, disguised as a cost-saving measure. They pointed out that the ATP is pushing these changes with little transparency or player consultation, threatening players' careers and livelihoods.

Some in the industry believe that the current 20% earnings share for doubles players is not justified based on the level of interest in those events. The days of ATP professionals actively competing in both singles and doubles have diminished, leading to the emergence of effectively two distinct player groups and increased strain on tournament facilities.

An ATP spokesperson stated, "We are assessing the doubles product, draw sizes, and player compensation distribution to create a more sustainable model while maintaining doubles’ important role on the tour." They noted that the review also aims to explore ways to enhance financial support for early-round singles players, which could improve the long-term sustainability of professional careers.

As these discussions unfold, leading singles players have been advocating for a greater share of Grand Slam revenues to be allocated to prize money, highlighting the ongoing financial concerns within the sport. Earlier this week, players ended their boycott of Wimbledon media obligations following constructive meetings with the All England Club, where they also voiced demands for improved welfare benefits, such as pensions and maternity leave.