Full Breakdown
ATP's Proposed Overhaul of Men's Doubles Sparks Outcry
7/3/2026, 1:25:38 PM
ATP's Proposed Overhaul of Men's Doubles
At a Wimbledon ATP Player Council meeting, the ATP unveiled “Product 28,” proposing to halve men’s doubles draws and shift prize-money from 80/20 to 90/10. Masters 1000 events would feature 16 teams (down from 32) and ATP 250/500 tournaments eight pairs.
Context and Rationale
The ATP’s “One Vision” programme raised prize money across the tour, with 2025 seeing a record 88 players earn over $1 million. The ATP argues doubles “doesn’t generate profit” and that shifting funds to early-round singles would help players near the Top 100.
Stakeholders
Opposition includes leading doubles specialists, the ATP Player Council’s doubles delegation, British coach Calvin Betton (coach of world No. 1 Henry Patten), and former world No. 6 Edouard Roger-Vasselin. A coalition issued a joint statement at Wimbledon.
Proposed Changes
- Masters 1000 draws cut from 32 to 16 teams.
- 250/500/Challenger draws cut from 16 to 8 teams.
- Doubles prize-money share cut from 20 % to 10 % of a tournament’s pot, leaving winners with about 5 % of total prize money.
- Singles rankings get priority for Challenger entry, limiting spots for doubles-only players.
Financial Snapshot
At Indian Wells, singles champion Jannik Sinner earned $1.151 million, while doubles winners Guido Andreozzi and Manuel Guinard split $234 000. Betton estimates about 150 male singles players and roughly 50 male doubles specialists earn a living solely from prize money.
Potential Consequences
Players outside the top 30 could lose earnings. Smaller draws would also shrink demand for doubles coaches, physiotherapists, national-federation programs and grassroots clubs that rely on a robust doubles pipeline.
Official Response
An ATP spokesperson said, “We are assessing the doubles product, draw sizes and player compensation distribution to create a more sustainable long-term model while maintaining doubles’ important role on the tour.” The ATP added that any changes will be developed “through close consultation with players, tournaments and the ATP board.”
Player Opposition
Betton called the plan “quite disgusting” and “contemptuous,” saying it would strip livelihoods from dozens of professionals. Roger-Vasselin warned the tour “doesn’t generate profit for them” and that “we aren’t going to win” the internal battle. Players argue the ATP’s revenue claim ignores that doubles matches occupy 50-80 % of court time on outside courts at Grand Slams and Masters events.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Doubles isn’t a carnival sideshow.” — Leading doubles players (statement)
- “BETTON: I think it’s quite disgusting, to be honest, for numerous reasons.” — Calvin Betton, British doubles coach
- “There are two tennis players in the world that sell tickets – Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.” — Calvin Betton
- “We’re trying every possible way to propose ideas, but they aren’t interested.” — Edouard Roger-Vasselin, former world No. 6 doubles player
Next Steps
The doubles delegation intends to issue a formal collective statement and consider legal action if the ATP proceeds without further negotiation. A follow-up Player Council meeting is slated for late July, where revised proposals may be presented or the original plan confirmed.
