Doubles players and national federations urge ATP to reconsider 2028 cuts

A coalition of men's doubles players, former stars and national federations has called on the ATP to reconsider proposed cuts to the discipline from 2028. According to BBC Sport, an open letter signed on Monday attracted support from 137 current players, 28 legends and 20 national federations, ahead of a board vote next month at the ATP Finals in Turin.

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The proposals would reduce doubles fields at Masters 1000 tournaments to 16 teams, half their existing size, while smaller events would have eight-team draws. The share of prize money allocated to doubles could also drop from 20% to 10%, with the difference going to singles players. These remain proposals rather than approved changes, with the board still to decide on the plans.

Among the signatories are world number ones and reigning Wimbledon champions Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara, along with former champions Bob and Mike Bryan. Dutch player Sem Verbeek, who helped organise the letter, told BBC Sport the measures threatened players' livelihoods and the future of the format. The letter accepts the need for commercial growth but argues that the scale of the proposed reductions is excessive.

The ATP presents the reforms as part of a broader review intended to put the tour on a more sustainable footing from 2028. It says its analysis considers revenue, costs and audience figures, and that fewer singles players entering doubles has left tournaments under pressure from the size of separate doubles competitions. The governing body maintains that doubles would retain an important place on the tour.

Players counter that stronger promotion could help doubles reach a wider audience. They point to its popularity among club players as a reason to invest in its appeal. Discussions between the two sides have taken place since Wimbledon, including at the Shanghai Masters. Patten has expressed hope that alternatives will be considered, although players believe the scope for negotiation remains limited, BBC Sport reported.

ATP sources told the BBC that a compromise was likely. The Bryan brothers, meanwhile, have indicated support for players considering legal action, having helped lead a lawsuit over proposed doubles changes in 2005. The immediate decision rests with the ATP board, comprising chairman Andrea Gaudenzi and four representatives each from tournaments and players.