ATP doubles players urge tour to rethink prize money cuts
Leading men’s doubles players have asked the ATP to reconsider plans that would shrink doubles draws and shift money to singles.
A letter signed by 137 active players, 33 former players and 20 federations has asked the ATP to rethink plans to cut doubles prize money and draw sizes at Masters 1000 events as part of 2028 reforms.
Key takeaways
- Letter signed by 137 active players, 33 former players and 20 federations
- Plans would shift about US$20 million from doubles to singles
- ATP Masters 1000 doubles teams could be cut to 16 from 32
- ATP bonus pool to rise to US$50 million from US$21.5 million
- Player compensation target set at US$350 million from 2028
Top men’s doubles players have called on the ATP Tour to reconsider plans that would reduce the size of doubles competitions at tournaments and move prize money to the singles format.
The players’ letter
In a letter addressed to the ATP board and management and signed by 137 active players, 33 former players and 20 federations, the group said it understood the need for reform but was deeply concerned about the plans being discussed. The current plans would shift about US$20 million in prize money from doubles to singles while cutting a significant number of professional opportunities for doubles specialists, the group wrote. That shift would make it much harder for talented players to build and sustain a doubles career. A healthy professional sport cannot rely solely on a small group of top stars; it needs pathways for players to develop, compete and earn a living.
ATP response and context
The ATP said earlier this month it was reviewing potential changes to the size of doubles draws at tournaments as part of its plans for 2028 and beyond, with the freed-up funds going towards singles qualifying and early-round prize money. The governing body of men’s tennis said doubles would continue to be a core part of the tour and its reviews were focused on identifying a model for its sustainable long-term future. It added that discussions would continue with the Player Advisory Council. The ATP is set to hold its year-end meetings in Turin next month.
Proposed changes and wider picture
The plans being discussed include cutting the number of doubles teams at elite ATP Masters 1000 events to 16 from 32, with events below that level featuring smaller fields. Apart from the grand slams and Olympics, doubles receives much less attention than singles and few top singles players commit to playing the format, though it is hugely popular at club level.
Player reaction and compensation plans
Dutch player Sem Verbeek said the ATP should look after the interests of all its members. “Tennis is more than a business,” the doubles world number 60 said on X. “It’s a legacy built on joy, health and sportsmanship. A sport built on those values should open doors, not close them.” The ATP outlined plans this month to boost its bonus pool to US$50 million from US$21.5 million and reshape its rankings and calendar as part of a package aimed at lifting player compensation to US$350 million from 2028.
ATP financial and draw proposals under discussion
Item | Current | Proposed |
|---|---|---|
Bonus pool | US$21.5 million | US$50 million |
Player compensation target | Not specified | US$350 million from 2028 |
Masters 1000 doubles teams | 32 | 16 |
Prize money shift | Not specified | About US$20 million from doubles to singles |
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