Legendary doubles players Bob and Mike Bryan have spoken out against an ATP plan to cut tournament draws and prize money for doubles starting in 2028. The proposal would halve the number of teams and reduce the doubles share of prize money from 20 percent to 10 percent at most events. The move has drawn sharp criticism from top doubles specialists.
Bob Bryan said the changes would block young players from building careers in doubles. “If it passes, this will kill the doubles dream for any young players or college players that want to pursue doubles,” he said during a Wimbledon press interview earlier in July. “The pathway will be blocked to come up and make a living.”
The ATP plan would limit Masters doubles draws to 16 teams and reduce 500 and 250 events to eight pairs. A group of leading doubles players released a statement on July 3 calling the proposal an effort to end doubles as a viable profession.
The ATP defended the plan, saying it would allow more money for early-round singles matches and create more sustainable careers at the top level. The disagreement has left the two sides at odds with no resolution yet in sight.
