More than 150 doubles players urge ATP to protect format

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 16:43 · Archive

Over 150 men's doubles players have signed an open letter urging the ATP to abandon proposed reforms that would halve tournament draws and cut prize money.

More than 150 men's doubles players, along with over 20 national federations and tennis legends, have signed an open letter urging the ATP to reconsider proposed reforms to professional doubles tennis. The changes, set to take effect in 2028, would significantly reduce opportunities and earnings in the format.

Under the proposals, Masters 1000 events would host only 16 doubles teams, down from current numbers, whilst ATP 500 and 250 events would accommodate just eight teams. Prize money devoted to doubles would fall from 20 per cent to 10 per cent of total distributions, with the difference reallocated to singles players. This shift would move approximately $20m from doubles to singles competition.

The players state the changes would make it "much harder for talented players to build and sustain a doubles career" and risk destroying livelihoods. Dutch player Sem Verbeek, one of the letter's organisers, told BBC Sport: "These proposals would destroy careers, livelihoods and dreams." The ATP says its wider review aims to create "a more sustainable long-term model" whilst maintaining doubles' "important role".

The ATP board, chaired by Andrea Gaudenzi, will vote on the plans at next month's ATP Finals in Turin.

How it is being reported

• 'Cutting doubles would destroy careers' - angry players urge ATP rethinkMore than 150 doubles players - including Wimbledon champions and tennis legends - urge the ATP to rethink "drastic" cuts which they believe could kill the format.BBC News · 26 Oct, 16:07
• Doubles players sign open letter pleading with tennis chiefs to ‘protect’ formatPlans to slash games by half and prize money criticised ‘Hard for players to build and sustain a doubles career’ More than 150 doubles players on the men’s ATP tour have signed an open letter addressed to the ATP board and management imploring the men’s tennis governing bodies to reconsider its controversial doubles reforms and “protect” the doubles format in professional tennis. The subject of potential reforms to the ATP have been a significant issue since players were informed in a meeting during Wimbledon that the ATP was conducting a review of its doubles regulations and potential…The Guardian · 26 Oct, 15:55

In this story: ATP · Henry Patten · Bryan brothers · Sem Verbeek · Andrea Gaudenzi · Wimbledon · Turin

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