Doubles players urge ATP to rethink draw and prize-money cuts

Men's doubles players have stepped up their opposition to proposed ATP Tour changes that would reduce tournament places and their share of prize money from 2028. According to BBC Sport, an open letter signed on Monday by 137 current players, 28 former stars and 20 national federations calls on the governing body to reconsider. World number one Henry Patten and the Bryan brothers are among those backing the campaign.

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The proposals would halve doubles draws at Masters 1000 tournaments to 16 teams, while draws at smaller events would be reduced to eight teams. The share of prize money allocated to doubles could also drop from 20% to 10%, with the difference going to singles players. These are proposed changes, not measures that have already been approved or introduced.

A decision is expected at next month's ATP Finals in Turin, where the tour's board is due to vote. That board comprises chairman Andrea Gaudenzi, four tournament representatives and four player representatives. The doubles plans form part of a broader review of the tour's structure from 2028, with the ATP saying its aim is to improve long-term sustainability while retaining a role for doubles.

The players argue that the cuts would threaten careers and earning opportunities. Dutch player Sem Verbeek, who helped organise the letter, told BBC Sport that the discipline's future was at risk. Their letter accepts the need to develop tournaments and increase commercial value, but argues that the proposed reductions go too far. Players also want greater promotion of doubles, pointing to its popularity among club players.

The ATP says its proposals reflect analysis of costs, revenue and audiences. Its position is that fewer singles players are entering doubles and that the current scale of separate doubles competitions places significant demands on tournaments. Discussions between the tour and players have continued since Wimbledon, including meetings at the Shanghai Masters. Players remain concerned about the scope for negotiation, although ATP sources told the BBC a compromise was likely.

Mike and Bob Bryan have also backed the possibility of players considering legal action. The American twins previously led a lawsuit against the ATP over proposed doubles changes in 2005. Their support adds experience of an earlier dispute to the current campaign, but the BBC report does not establish that a new legal case has been filed.