A coalition of 137 active players, 33 former professionals, and 20 tennis federations has formally requested that the ATP reconsider restructuring plans for its doubles circuit. While the group acknowledges the necessity for institutional reform, it expressed deep apprehension regarding the specific proposals currently under consideration for the 2028 season and beyond. According to in a letter addressed to the ATP board and management and signed by 137 active players, 33 former players and 20 federations, the group, It understood the need for reforms but was deeply concerned about the plans.
Under the discussed framework, the ATP aims to reduce the number of doubles teams at elite Masters 1000 events from 32 down to 16, with similarly smaller field sizes planned for lower-tier tournaments. The organization intends to reallocate approximately $20 million in prize money from doubles into singles qualifying rounds and early-round payouts. Officials state this is part of a broader financial initiative to raise total player compensation to $350 million, which includes expanding the bonus pool from $21.5 million to $50 million. According to the ATP, This month it was reviewing potential changes to the size of the doubles draws at tournaments as part of its plans for 2028 and beyond, with the freed-up funds going towards singles qualifying and early-rou.
Critics argue that these changes will significantly diminish professional opportunities for doubles specialists and create a barrier for talented players attempting to establish sustainable careers. The group noted in its letter that a healthy sport requires diverse development pathways rather than relying exclusively on a small elite cohort. Sem Verbeek, the world number 60, emphasized on social media that the sport represents a legacy of health and sportsmanship rather than purely a business model, warning that these structural changes could effectively close doors to competitors. That shift would make it much harder for talented players to build and sustain a doubles career. Compete and earn a living, a healthy professional sport cannot rely solely on a small group of top stars; it needs pathways for players to develop. Not close them, a sport built on those values should open doors.
The ATP maintains that doubles remains a fundamental component of the tour and asserts that its ongoing reviews are designed to secure a sustainable long-term model. While the format currently enjoys high participation at the club level, it often receives less visibility than singles outside of the Olympic Games and Grand Slams.
The governing body indicated that it intends to continue discussions with the Player Advisory Council ahead of year-end meetings scheduled for next month in Turin. Reuters has reached out to the ATP for further comment on the players’ objections.
