More than 150 men’s doubles players, including current world number ones Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara who just bagged the Wimbledon title, are absolutely furious with the ATP Tour. They’ve banded together, signing an open letter to the governing body, fighting back against “drastic” changes set for 2028 that they say could literally kill the format. We’re talking about plans to slash Masters 1000 draws in half to just 16 teams and smaller tournaments down to eight. Oh, and get this, the prize money percentage for doubles could get cut from 20% down to a measly 10%, with that cash getting funneled to singles players instead.
Taking Their Jobs, Killing Their Dreams
Dutch player Sem Verbeek, one of the masterminds behind this letter, pulled no punches, telling BBC Sport these proposals would “destroy careers, livelihoods and dreams.” Think about that for a second. These are pros, guys who dedicate their lives to this sport. Verbeek went on to say we’re staring down the barrel of “losing a discipline of tennis which is historic, but has a big future.” The collective action is massive: 137 current players, 28 legends like the iconic Bryan brothers, and even 20 national federations have signed this thing. They’re all trying to pressure the ATP into a rethink. British pair Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash, who were world number ones themselves after winning Wimbledon in 2025, accused the ATP of trying to “kill part of the sport.” They argue the ATP should be *promoting* doubles, especially since it’s the version most club players actually play. The players’ letter lays it out: “Commercial success matters. Fairness, player welfare and the long-term health of tennis matter just as much.” It’s clear they feel these reforms, despite claims of progress, “go much too far,” and they’re urging the ATP to “grow tennis together, without leaving doubles players behind.”
The ATP’s Playbook: ‘Sustainable’ or Just Cutting Corners?
So, what’s the ATP’s deal here? They say these proposals are all part of a larger review to “strengthen” the tour from 2028, aiming for a “more sustainable long-term model” and to “maintain the important role” of doubles. Apparently, they’ve got “data-led analysis” about costs, revenue, and viewership that backs this up. The ATP suggests fewer singles players are competing in doubles now, and that the current size of standalone doubles events is putting a “severe strain” on tournaments. But for the players, that sounds like a flimsy excuse to cut their slice of the pie. The tour’s board, including chairman Andrea Gaudenzi and reps from both tournaments and players, is set to vote on these proposals at the ATP Finals in Turin next month.
Wimbledon champion Henry Patten told BBC Sport he thinks players are facing “an uphill battle” but he’s still “optimistic” the tour will actually consider counter-proposals. Since Wimbledon, there have been several meetings between both sides, even recently at the Shanghai Masters. The future of doubles tennis hangs in the balance, and with careers, livelihoods, and the very soul of this historic discipline on the line, you can bet the fight is just getting started.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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