Doubles players challenge ATP plans to cut draws and prize-money share

Men's doubles players have organised an open letter opposing proposed ATP Tour changes that would reduce tournament places and the discipline's share of prize money from 2028. According to BBC Sport, 137 current players, 28 former stars and 20 national federations signed the appeal on Monday, urging the governing body to reconsider before a board vote next month.

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The proposals would halve doubles fields at Masters 1000 tournaments to 16 teams and reduce draws at smaller events to eight teams. Doubles' allocation of prize money could fall from 20% to 10%, with the difference going to singles players. These remain proposed changes rather than approved rules. The ATP board is scheduled to consider them at the ATP Finals in Turin.

Among those supporting the letter are world number ones and reigning Wimbledon champions Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara, along with former champions Mike and Bob Bryan. Dutch player Sem Verbeek, who helped organise the letter, told BBC Sport that the plans threatened players' careers and livelihoods. The signatories accept the need to improve commercial performance but argue that the scale of the proposed reductions would go too far.

The ATP says the doubles proposals form part of a broader review intended to strengthen the tour from 2028 and improve its long-term sustainability. Its analysis considers costs, revenue and viewing figures. With fewer singles players entering doubles, the tour argues that the existing scale of standalone doubles competitions places substantial pressure on tournaments. It nevertheless says doubles should retain an important place within the tour.

Players counter that better promotion could build audiences, pointing to doubles' popularity among club players. BBC Sport reported that discussions have taken place since Wimbledon, including at the Shanghai Masters. Patten has said the players face a difficult task but remains hopeful that counter-proposals will receive consideration. The players believe the ATP has shown limited willingness to negotiate, while sources at the tour told the BBC a compromise was likely.

The Bryan brothers have also indicated support for players considering legal action to defend doubles. They previously led a lawsuit against the ATP over planned changes in 2005. Their support does not establish that a new case has been filed: the immediate decision remains with the tour's board, which comprises chairman Andrea Gaudenzi, four tournament representatives and four player representatives.