Doubles players are criticizing a proposal from the ATP Tour to reduce prize money and shrink tournament sizes for the men’s doubles event, with changes reportedly planned to start in 2028. Multiple outlets report that a group of prominent doubles players issued a public statement after meeting ATP officials during Wimbledon, arguing the plan would undermine the viability of doubles as a professional discipline.
According to the reports, players say the ATP is proposing to “slash” doubles draws and reduce doubles prize money, while reallocating opportunities to singles players. They argue the proposed structure would limit earnings for doubles specialists, particularly those outside the very top of the rankings. One described concern is that doubles players would receive about 10% of prize money at ATP tournaments, down from 20%, alongside a halving of the size of doubles fields.
The players also contend the ATP is prioritizing singles entry over established doubles specialists. Overall, the accounts describe a dispute focused on how the tour would rebalance prize money and event entries between singles and doubles, amid broader questions about doubles’ audience appeal.
