Doubles players unite in open letter against proposed ATP cuts

Men's doubles players have stepped up their opposition to proposed ATP Tour cuts, with current competitors, former champions and national federations signing an open letter calling for a rethink. BBC Sport reported that Monday's letter was backed by 137 active players, 28 former stars and 20 national federations, ahead of a board vote next month.

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The proposals would halve doubles draws at Masters 1000 tournaments to 16 teams and reduce fields at smaller events to eight teams. The proportion of prize money allocated to doubles could also drop from 20% to 10%, with the difference going to singles players. The changes form part of a wider review of the tour's structure from 2028 and have not yet been approved.

Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara, the reigning Wimbledon champions and world number ones, are among the signatories, alongside former champions Mike and Bob Bryan. Dutch player Sem Verbeek, who helped organise the letter, told BBC Sport that the plans threatened players' livelihoods and the future of the discipline. The letter accepts the need for commercial growth but argues that player welfare and fairness must carry similar weight.

The ATP says its review is intended to improve the tour's long-term sustainability while retaining a role for doubles. According to the BBC, the governing body's analysis considers costs, revenue and audience figures. It believes that fewer singles players entering doubles, combined with the size of standalone doubles events, creates significant pressure on tournaments. Doubles players counter that stronger promotion could build audiences for a format widely played at club level.

Discussions have taken place since Wimbledon, including meetings at the Shanghai Masters. Patten has told BBC Sport he remains hopeful that alternative proposals will receive consideration, despite the difficulty of the players' position. The report said players perceived limited willingness to negotiate, while ATP sources expected a compromise. The board is due to consider the plans at the ATP Finals in Turin next month.

The Bryan brothers have also indicated support for players considering legal action. They helped lead a lawsuit against the ATP over proposed doubles changes in 2005. Their support does not establish that a new case has been filed: the immediate development is the collective appeal to the tour before its board decides whether to adopt the proposed reductions.