More than 150 doubles players have signed an open letter urging the ATP to scrap proposed cuts that would halve doubles draws from 2028.
More than 150 doubles specialists on the ATP Tour have joined forces to push back against the governing body's reform plans, signing an open letter that urges the ATP board and management to rethink and "protect" the doubles game.
The row began when players were told during Wimbledon that the ATP was reviewing its doubles regulations. One possible outcome is that doubles draws would be cut in half at ATP events from 2028. Under the proposals, Masters 1000 tournaments would feature just 16 doubles teams, while the main draws at ATP 500 and 250 events would be limited to only eight teams.
The players behind the letter argue that shrinking the fields and trimming prize money would make it far harder to build and sustain a career in doubles. Fewer spots means fewer chances to earn ranking points and pay checks, and for many players on the circuit, those margins are already tight.
The letter is a rare show of unity from a group that rarely gets the spotlight, and it puts real pressure on the ATP to justify its direction. Whether the governing body softens its stance or pushes ahead with the changes, the debate over the future of doubles is now firmly in the open.
