More than 150 men's doubles players, including British world number one Henry Patten and the legendary Bryan brothers, have urged the ATP Tour to rethink what they describe as "drastic" changes that they believe could kill the format. In a show of collective action, the players have written an open letter to the men's governing body as they fight proposals that would cut draw sizes and reduce prize money from 2028.
The ATP has proposed halving doubles draws at its flagship Masters 1000 events to 16 teams, with smaller tournaments reduced to eight teams. The share of prize money devoted to doubles could fall from 20% to 10%, with the difference redistributed to singles players. Dutch player Sem Verbeek, one of the architects of the letter, warned that "these proposals would destroy careers, livelihoods and dreams." On Monday, 137 current players, 28 legends and 20 national federations signed the letter.
The proposals provoked an angry response when they were revealed in July. British pair Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash, who won Wimbledon in 2025 and became world number ones, accused the ATP of trying to "kill part of the sport." Others believe reform is needed, arguing that a 20% share of prize money for doubles is disproportionate to fan interest. The ATP says the proposals are based on data-led analysis of costs, revenue and viewership, and that fewer singles players now compete in doubles, straining standalone events.
The tour's board, chaired by Andrea Gaudenzi, will vote on the plans at next month's ATP Finals in Turin. Patten said the players faced "an uphill battle" but remained "optimistic" the tour would consider counter-proposals. Several meetings have taken place between the two sides, though the players still see little appetite for negotiation, while ATP sources insist a compromise is likely. Mike and Bob Bryan said they would support legal action to protect the discipline, recalling that in 2005 players sued the ATP over earlier radical doubles changes.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing