More than 150 professional male doubles players on the ATP tour have signed an open letter urging the ATP board and management to reconsider proposed reforms that would significantly reduce the size of doubles draws and diminish prize money allocated to doubles competitions. The letter, supported by over 20 national tennis federations and several former players, calls on the governing bodies to “protect” the doubles format amid concerns over the future of the discipline.

The potential reforms were first communicated to players during Wimbledon, where the ATP revealed it was reviewing its doubles regulations with a view to substantial changes beginning in 2028. The proposals would halve the number of doubles teams at key ATP events, with Masters 1000 tournaments hosting only 16 doubles teams, while ATP 500 and 250 event doubles draws would be cut to eight teams each.

In addition, the reforms envisage reducing doubles prize money from 20% to 10% of the total, reallocating the remainder to singles players. The funding and draw reductions have drawn sharp criticism from the doubles community, who argue the changes would drastically reduce professional opportunities and jeopardise the viability of doubles careers.

Sem Verbeek, the 2025 Wimbledon mixed doubles champion and a leading voice among the signatories, described the proposals as a threat to not only the tradition but also the sustainability of men’s professional doubles. “The livelihoods of many players are at stake,” he said, adding that the reforms also put at risk the aspirations of young players interested in pursuing doubles careers.

Verbeek expressed frustration with the ATP’s process, stating that players have not been sufficiently consulted or involved in shaping the reforms. He said the open letter aims to encourage meaningful collaboration between the ATP and doubles players, rather than a one-sided review lacking transparency and dialogue.

The ATP reportedly views doubles as a “loss leader” financially and intends to redistribute resources to singles as part of broader efforts to enhance the sport’s commercial appeal. However, doubles players reject the notion that their discipline is secondary or merely an entry point for unsuccessful singles players. They called for greater investment and marketing of doubles to build its profile and protect its legacy.

“The ATP has under-invested and under-marketed the discipline so far,” Verbeek noted. “We want to engage in meaningful discussions about growing this part of the sport without damaging its future or the careers of those who specialise in doubles.”

The open letter also highlights the broader implications of the proposed changes, warning that shifting approximately $20 million of prize money from doubles to singles would reduce professional opportunities and hinder player development across the sport.

This month, the ATP announced wide-ranging reforms to the tour calendar, schedule, and rules. Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP chief executive, has acknowledged ongoing evaluations but has not provided detailed commitments regarding doubles. The dispute underscores tensions within men’s professional tennis as the ATP balances commercial interests with player representation and the preservation of doubles competition.