Doubles tennis: Top players fear cutbacks and accuse ATP Tour of trying to end career

A group of leading doubles players has accused the men’s ATP tour of trying to “do away with doubles as a viable profession”.

At a meeting at Wimbledon on Tuesday, the tour proposed changes that could include halving the size of the doubles draw from 2028.

This means only 16 teams will be able to compete in ATP 1000 events and only eight in smaller tournaments on tour.

The percentage of prize money dedicated to doubles players may drop from 20% to 10% – money redistributed to singles players.

“Doubles is not a carnival sideshow,” the players said in a statement.

“It’s one of the most successful parts of tennis – an integral part of the amateur game – with the potential to do so much more.

“Yet the ATP’s proposals will have the effect of diminishing the excellence of professional doubles and closing the pipeline of pro doubles players and the entire infrastructure that supports them.

“Doubles is not an afterthought we read. It has always been part of the identity of the game, not a discounted version of it.”

In the first Masters 1000 event of the year at Indian Wells, Jennick Sinner took home $1.151m (£860,000) for winning the title. Guido Andreozzi and Manuel Guinard each won $234,000 (£175,000) for the double win.

Players argue that the change means no future for doubles players outside the world’s top 30.

“Do the math on what this means for anyone outside the top 30: earning a living will be impossible,” the statement continued.

“This is not a minor adjustment. This is a plan to end up doubling as a viable profession, dressed up as a cost-saving measure – and it’s being pushed with almost no transparency and almost no consultation with the players whose careers and livelihoods are on the line.”

Many within the sport believe that a 20% share for doubles players is disproportionate to interest in the event.

Gone are the days of numerous ATP professionals in both singles and doubles. There are now effectively two separate teams of players, putting even more pressure on the players’ advantage on site at the tournament.

“We are evaluating the doubles product, draw size and player compensation distribution with a view to creating a more sustainable long-term model while maintaining the important role of doubles on tour,” an ATP spokesperson said.

“The review is also assessing whether changes to the dual model may be able to increase investment in early-round single prize money, better cover the costs of competing on tour and help more players at the highest level to build sustainable professional careers.

“Any potential changes will be made in close consultation with the players, the tournament and the ATP Board, with any decision being made in the best long-term interests of the sport and its consumers.”

The world’s leading solo players continue to call for a when it comes to this latest development A large portion of the Grand Slam proceeds must be devoted to prize money – A separate issue is how the ATP Tour financially rewards its players.

Earlier this week, players Wimbledon media duties ended their boycott After “constructive meetings” with the All England Club.

Apart from prize money, players want the Grand Slams to focus more of their income on welfare benefits such as pensions and maternity leave.