ATP proposal could slash doubles prize money and halve tournament draws from 2028

Thursday, 02 July 2026 at 06:30

Men's doubles could be facing its biggest structural change in decades after reports emerged that the ATP is considering a sweeping reform package that would significantly reduce prize money and shrink tournament draws beginning in 2028.

According to Italian outlet Spazio Tennis, ATP officials presented the proposals during a meeting on Tuesday with approximately 50 doubles specialists. Although nothing has been made official, the reported plans immediately sparked concern among players, many of whom are expected to oppose the measures.

At the centre of the proposal is a redistribution of prize money that would further widen the gap between singles and doubles. The current 80-20 split in favour of singles players would reportedly become 90-10, effectively halving the share allocated to doubles competitors.

The reforms would also dramatically reduce the number of places available at ATP Tour events, raising concerns about career opportunities for doubles specialists and fuelling fears that the discipline could be pushed further to the margins of the professional game.

Prize money cuts and smaller draws could reshape the doubles tour

According to the report, Masters 1000 doubles draws would be reduced from 32 teams to just 16, while ATP 500 and ATP 250 events could feature only eight teams instead of the current 16. Grand Slam tournaments are not included in the reported proposal, although some players reportedly fear the four majors could eventually move in the same direction.

The ATP's reported objective is to redistribute more revenue towards singles players while ensuring that the reduced doubles fields remain financially viable for those who qualify. However, critics argue the proposal would inevitably reduce the number of jobs available on tour and make it significantly harder for new doubles specialists to establish themselves.

The reforms would also require a complete redesign of the ATP doubles ranking system, as fewer tournaments and smaller draws would alter the current distribution of ranking points. That prospect has added another layer of uncertainty to a proposal already generating widespread concern among players.

Players reportedly preparing opposition as concerns grow over the future

According to Spazio Tennis, one of the biggest concerns expressed during the meeting involved the long-term sustainability of a career devoted exclusively to doubles. Younger specialists, particularly those who have not yet accumulated enough years to qualify for ATP retirement benefits, would be among those most affected if the reforms are introduced.

The report also argues that the proposal could create a protected environment for the highest-ranked pairs while making it increasingly difficult for emerging players to break into the tour. Instead of promoting competitiveness, opponents fear it would create a much higher barrier to entry and reduce opportunities across the discipline.

The debate also extends beyond economics. Doubles remains an important component of tournament scheduling, helping fill courts as the singles draws become smaller later in the week. While the proposals currently apply only to ATP events, some players reportedly worry that the Grand Slams could eventually adopt similar measures, potentially reshaping the discipline for years to come if the reported reforms become reality.

Who won every ATP Masters 1000 doubles title in 2026?

Tournament	2026 Champions	2026 Runners-up
Indian Wells Open	Guido Andreozzi (ARG) / Valentin Vacherot (MON)	Arthur Rinderknech (FRA) / Manuel Guinard (FRA)
Miami Open	Simone Bolelli (ITA) / Andrea Vavassori (ITA)	Harri Heliövaara (FIN) / Henry Patten (GBR)
Monte-Carlo Masters	Kevin Krawietz (GER) / Tim Pütz (GER)	Marcelo Arévalo (ESA) / Mate Pavić (CRO)
Madrid Open	Harri Heliövaara (FIN) / Henry Patten (GBR)	Guido Andreozzi (ARG) / Manuel Guinard (FRA)
Italian Open	Simone Bolelli (ITA) / Andrea Vavassori (ITA)	Marcel Granollers (ESP) / Horacio Zeballos (ARG)

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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