Top ATP doubles players have issued a joint statement opposing the organization's proposal to halve doubles draws at major tournaments starting in 2028. The plan would also cut the doubles share of prize money from 20 percent to 10 percent at standard events.
The ATP presented the changes during a meeting at the All-England Club this week. Under the proposal, ATP 1000 doubles events would feature only 16 teams, while smaller tournaments would drop to eight teams.
Doubles players described the move as a threat to the sport's identity. In their statement they said doubles is integral to tennis and warned that the changes would make it impossible for anyone outside the top 30 to earn a living.
Coach Calvin Betton called the plan disgusting and questioned its motivation. Pierre-Hugues Herbert, the world No. 1 doubles player at the time of the announcement, posted on social media that a stronger sport is not built by creating fewer opportunities.
The WTA Tour has no similar changes under consideration. The ATP proposal remains under discussion with no final decision reported.
