Doubles players, including Wimbledon champions Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool, express anger over ATP's proposed cuts to their events, fearing job losses.
New Delhi, India Jul 4, 2026 ALN: Doubles players are angry at the ATP Tour for proposing cuts that they feel would "take their jobs away", say Wimbledon champions Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool.
In a meeting at Wimbledon on Tuesday, the ATP proposed changes which could include halving the size of doubles draws from 2028. This potential reduction in the number of teams participating in doubles events has sparked significant backlash from players who have dedicated their careers to this format of the . British pair Cash and Glasspool are part of a group of leading doubles players who have accused the men's tour of trying to "end doubles as a viable profession". The implications of these proposed changes not only affect the players' livelihoods but also raise questions about the future of doubles as a whole.
"It's annoying we have to deal with or even think about things like this during Wimbledon," Glasspool said. "I'm not sure what they're hoping to achieve out of it." The frustration expressed by Glasspool is shared by many in the doubles community, who feel that their contributions to the are being undervalued by the governing body.
The proposals would mean only 16 teams competing at ATP 1000 events and eight at the smaller tournaments on the men's tour. This drastic reduction would significantly limit opportunities for players outside the top echelon of the doubles rankings. Currently, doubles events are an essential part of the calendar, providing a platform for players to showcase their skills and earn a living. The percentage of prize money devoted to doubles players could fall from 20% to 10% - with the money redistributed to singles players. This proposed financial shift raises concerns about the sustainability of a career in doubles, particularly for those ranked outside the top 30.
There are concerns that the current size of doubles events puts greater strain on player facilities at tournaments. The ATP has suggested that reducing the number of doubles teams could alleviate some of these logistical challenges. However, many players argue that the solution should not come at the expense of their livelihoods. "We understand where we are in the but I don't think we should be devalued," said British former world number one Neal Skupski. "Some people don't appreciate how much effort we put in day in, day out to this." The commitment and dedication required to excel in doubles is often overlooked, and players are eager to highlight the hard work that goes into their craft.
At the first Masters 1000 event of the year in Indian Wells, Jannik Sinner received $1.151m (£860,000) for winning the title. In contrast, Guido Andreozzi and Manuel Guinard took home $234,000 (£175,000) each for their doubles triumph. This stark difference in prize money underscores the financial disparities between singles and doubles players, further fueling the anger among those who feel that their contributions are not being adequately rewarded. The players argue the changes mean there would be no future for doubles players ranked outside the world's top 30, effectively shutting the door on aspiring talents who wish to pursue a career in this format.
The ATP outlined their plans in a players' meeting at the All England Club, where Italy's Andrea Vavassori and El Salvador's Marcelo Arevalo represented the doubles players. "It is just a proposal, of course," said two-time French Open champion Arevalo. "But it should be a time to give more opportunities to players rather than giving them away." This sentiment reflects a broader concern within the doubles community that the proposed cuts could lead to a significant decline in the viability of a professional doubles career.
An ATP spokesperson said: "We are assessing the doubles product, draw sizes and player compensation distribution with the aim of creating a more sustainable long-term model while maintaining doubles' important role on the tour." The ATP's focus on sustainability suggests that they are grappling with the challenges of balancing the interests of both singles and doubles players. However, the proposed cuts have left many players feeling marginalized and unheard.
Many within the doubles community believe a 20% share for doubles players is disproportionate to the interest in the event. As reigning Australian Open champion Skupski says, the doubles events on the ATP Tour are rarely watched by packed stadiums. Singles undoubtedly remains the big draw for fans either watching on site or following from further afield. However, the doubles players believe the governing body should do more to promote their discipline and attract greater interest. The argument is that if doubles events were marketed effectively, they could draw larger crowds and generate more excitement among fans.
"We're all members of the ATP, we all pay membership and the reason it was set up was to protect players," said Cash. "It's not to try and kill parts of the." The players are calling for a more equitable distribution of resources and a greater emphasis on promoting doubles as a legitimate and exciting format of the . The rich history of doubles , which was introduced at Wimbledon in 1884, deserves recognition and respect, they argue. Moreover, doubles is a format that resonates with many recreational players, making it more relatable to the average fan.
Cash and Glasspool, who are jointly ranked sixth in the world, think the product needs to be marketed better, particularly on social media platforms. Their assertion highlights the potential for growth in the doubles sector if given the proper attention and resources. "They say it is a product issue but when singles players - who are known and have been marketed - step on the doubles court it is a packed crowd," said 32-year-old Glasspool. "So it's not a product issue is it? If you know the players then you will watch them in singles or doubles." This observation points to the importance of player recognition and branding in attracting spectators to doubles matches.
World number five Skupski said a lot of the players' anger stems from the lack of consultation before the proposal was put forward. The 36-year-old called for the ATP to be "more open", but did not think any form of protest would help their cause. The lack of communication and transparency from the ATP has created a rift between the governing body and the players it represents. Glasspool claimed the governing body does not want to sit down with the group to discuss the issue. "They just say nothing valuable comes out of it because you guys are angry," he said. "We're like 'we are angry because you're taking our jobs away - what do you want us to do?'" This sentiment encapsulates the frustration felt by many players who feel their voices are not being heard in the decision-making process.
"We've worked hard for 20 years to be in this position," said Glasspool, emphasizing the dedication and sacrifices made by professional doubles players. Cash and Glasspool are hoping leading names can speak out to apply pressure on the ATP Tour and prevent the proposed cutbacks. They recognize the influence that prominent figures in the can wield in advocating for the interests of doubles players. "I think the timing of the proposals is smart. They know the top players are going to help us but they are least likely to do it during a Slam because everyone is focused on the biggest tournaments," Glasspool said. This observation suggests a strategic approach by the ATP in introducing these proposals at a time when attention is diverted to the singles events.
Cash added: "I think Rafa [Nadal] and Roger [Federer] stepped in when there was a similar situation in about 2011 and that was the end of the discussions." The involvement of high-profile players in advocating for doubles could be pivotal in shaping the outcome of this situation. In terms of the women's game, BBC has been told by WTA Tour sources that the women's governing body has no plans to change their doubles events. This contrast highlights the differing approaches taken by the ATP and WTA regarding the treatment and promotion of doubles , raising further questions about the future of the as a whole.
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