A group of leading doubles players have accused the ATP Tour of attempting to eliminate doubles as a viable profession. At a Wimbledon meeting on Tuesday, the tour proposed halving doubles draws from 2028, reducing teams at ATP 1000 events to just 16 and eight at smaller tournaments. Prize money allocation could drop from 20% to 10% for doubles competitors.

The players argue the changes would devastate careers outside the world's top 30. At Indian Wells, Jannik Sinner earned $1.151m for the singles title while doubles champions Guido Andreozzi and Manuel Guinard split $468,000. This disparity highlights the financial struggle doubles specialists already face, making the proposed cuts a potential death knell for the discipline.

ATP officials claim the review aims to create a sustainable model while maintaining doubles' importance. They suggest reallocating funds could boost early-round singles prize money, helping players meet tour costs. The organization promises consultation with players, tournaments, and the board before implementing changes.

These proposals emerge amid separate tensions over Grand Slam revenue sharing. Top singles players recently ended a Wimbledon media boycott after meetings with the All England Club, seeking better prize money distribution and welfare benefits. The doubles controversy reflects broader financial pressures across professional tennis.