Players Urge ATP to Rethink Doubles Cuts

More than 150 men's doubles players, including British world number one Henry Patten and the legendary Bryan brothers, have urged the ATP Tour to reconsider proposed "drastic" changes that they believe could endanger the format of doubles tennis. In an open letter directed at the men's governing body, the players are challenging proposals that seek to cut draw sizes and reduce prize money beginning in 2028.

Dutch player Sem Verbeek, one of the letter's architects, expressed concern, stating, "We're at risk of losing a discipline of tennis which is historic - but has a big future. These proposals would destroy careers, livelihoods and dreams." Under the ATP's proposals, the doubles draws at its flagship Masters 1000 events would be halved to 16 teams, while smaller tournaments would see their draws cut to eight teams. Furthermore, the prize money share allocated to doubles could decrease from 20% to 10%, with the difference redistributed to singles players.

On October 26, 2026, a collective of 137 current players, 28 tennis legends, and 20 national federations signed a letter in hopes of persuading the ATP to rethink its plans. The ATP's board, which consists of chairman Andrea Gaudenzi, four tournament representatives, and four player representatives, is set to vote on the proposals at the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin. The proposed doubles reform is part of a larger ATP review aimed at strengthening the tour beginning in 2028.

The ATP asserts that it aims to create "a more sustainable long-term model" while stating its commitment to maintain the important role of doubles within the sport. The players' letter emphasizes the importance of fairness and player welfare, urging the ATP to grow tennis without marginalizing doubles players.

The initial reaction from the doubles community was one of anger when the proposals were first revealed in July. British players Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash, who won Wimbledon in 2025, accused the ATP of seeking to "kill part of the sport." On the contrary, some within tennis have argued that reform is necessary, claiming that a 20% share of the prize money for doubles is disproportionate to the sport's fan interest. The doubles players contend that more promotional efforts are needed to attract greater audiences, highlighting that doubles is played by most club members, making it relatable to a broader audience.

The ATP claims that the proposals are informed by data regarding costs, revenues, and viewership trends. As fewer singles players engage in doubles events, the current structure of standalone doubles events reportedly places significant strain on tournaments.

Reigning Wimbledon champion Patten indicated that the players were facing "an uphill battle" but remained "optimistic" about the potential for counter-proposals to be considered. Despite various meetings between players and ATP officials since Wimbledon, participants believe the ATP shows little willingness to negotiate. However, ATP sources reaffirm that a compromise could be achieved.

The Bryan brothers, who are celebrated as the greatest doubles pair of all time, have expressed their support for considering legal action to defend their discipline, recalling their involvement in a lawsuit against the ATP in 2005 in response to similar proposed changes.

Bob Bryan commented, "The tour’s in the healthiest financial state it’s ever been - in our opinion, it should be creating more opportunities," while Mike Bryan noted that the proposed changes are "anti-competitive." They remain supportive of the push to maintain the integrity of doubles tennis.