Potential changes under consideration could see doubles draws being halved at ATP events in 2028. The news provoked significant criticism from a large group of players at Wimbledon, who have spent subsequent months organising to resist the reforms.
Supporters of the open letter argue that doubles is a discipline that has provided a lot of history and a future, rather than being a failed singles career. They also contend that the current generation of decision-makers in the ATP feels a doubles career is not a real tennis career, prompting numerous legends to sign the letter.
The ATP management views doubles as an unsustainable loss leader and intends to redistribute some money currently reserved for doubles to singles players. This initiative has frustrated active players, who believe it pits singles and doubles players against each other despite all members belonging to the same association.
Players hope the open letter will provide the ATP with a platform to establish more collaboration rather than continuing a one-sided review. They invite the governing body to meaningful discussions on growing the sport without damaging its future or a player's ability to have a celebratory career in doubles.
Professional tennis doubles players have signed an open letter calling on the ATP to protect the discipline's format amid proposed reforms. The controversy began when players were informed during a meeting at Wimbledon that the ATP was conducting a review of its doubles regulations.
The proposed shift would make it much harder for talented players to build and sustain a doubles career. Players warn that the livelihoods of many competitors and the dreams of young athletes wanting to pursue a doubles career are in big jeopardy.