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ATP doubles players protest proposed circuit reforms
More than 150 professional tennis players, including 137 active competitors, 28 legends, and 20 national federations, have issued an open letter to the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) protesting proposed structural changes.
The proposed reforms, slated for implementation in 2028, aim to reduce the number of doubles draws at major tournaments. Specifically, the ATP suggests halving the number of pairs in Masters 1000 events to 16 and limiting smaller tournaments to just eight pairs. Additionally, the share of prize money allocated to doubles could be reduced from 20 percent to 10 percent, with the remaining funds redirected to singles players.
Signatories, including Sem Verbek and various Brazilian players, argue that these cuts—estimated at approximately $20 million—threaten the careers and livelihoods of specialists. The group maintains that while commercial growth is necessary, the ATP must balance business interests with the long-term health and inclusivity of the sport. The ATP Tour Board is expected to vote on these proposals at the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin next month.
Entities
ATP Tour Board · Andrea Gaudenci · Andrea Gaudenzi · Association of Tennis Professionals · Bryan brothers · Sam Verbeek · Sem Verbek · Turin
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The open letter was signed by 28 tennis legends and 20 national federations. beta.rs · zurnal.politika.rs · www.politika.rs
- [● 3 SOURCES] The proposed doubles prize money share would drop from 20 percent to 10 percent. beta.rs · zurnal.politika.rs · www.politika.rs
- [● 3 SOURCES] The ATP proposes reducing the number of doubles pairs in Masters 1000 tournaments to 16. beta.rs · zurnal.politika.rs · www.politika.rs
- [● 3 SOURCES] The changes are intended to take effect in 2028. beta.rs · zurnal.politika.rs · www.politika.rs
- [● 3 SOURCES] More than 150 men's doubles players signed an open letter to the ATP. beta.rs · zurnal.politika.rs · www.politika.rs
- [● 3 SOURCES] Smaller tournaments would be limited to eight doubles pairs under the proposal. beta.rs · zurnal.politika.rs · www.politika.rs
- [● 3 SOURCES] The ATP Tour Board will vote on the proposals at the ATP Finals in Turin next month. beta.rs · zurnal.politika.rs · www.politika.rs