Doubles players and federations urge ATP rethink before November vote

A campaign against proposed cuts to men's doubles has gathered support from 137 current players, 28 legends and 20 national federations, according to BBC Sport. The group signed an open letter on Monday urging the ATP to reconsider changes planned for 2028. Wimbledon champions Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara are among the signatories, alongside former doubles stars Mike and Bob Bryan.

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The proposals would limit doubles fields to 16 teams at Masters 1000 tournaments and eight at smaller events. The share of prize money allocated to doubles could also drop from 20% to 10%, with the difference going to singles players. These remain proposed measures, not approved rules. BBC Sport reported those details when the dispute emerged during Wimbledon in July.

At that stage, players argued that the changes would threaten the professional prospects of those outside the world's top 30. Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool, the 2025 Wimbledon champions, were among those challenging the plans. Neal Skupski also criticised the consultation process, telling the BBC that players had not been sufficiently involved before the proposals were presented.

The disagreement extends to how the discipline should attract an audience. In the BBC's July reporting, Cash and Glasspool called for stronger promotion, particularly through social media. Glasspool pointed to the crowds drawn when established singles names enter doubles as evidence that familiarity with players matters. The ATP, meanwhile, said it was reviewing fields and the distribution of player compensation to make the format financially sustainable while keeping doubles on the tour.

The next decision is expected at November's ATP Finals in Turin, where the ATP board is due to vote, the BBC reported on Monday. Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi sits alongside four tournament representatives and four player representatives. The doubles proposals form part of a broader review of the men's tour rather than a decision already implemented.

Talks have continued since Wimbledon, including a meeting at the Shanghai Masters. Players remain doubtful about the scope for negotiation, while ATP sources told the BBC a compromise was likely. The Bryan brothers have expressed support for considering legal action, but the report did not announce a new lawsuit.