Doubles players angered by proposed ATP cuts

Doubles players have reacted with anger to suggestions that the ATP Tour plans to reduce draw sizes and prize money for tournaments. British player Julian Cash accused the organization of trying to kill off a part of the sport, stating, "We're all members of the ATP, we all pay membership and the reason it was set up was to protect players. It's not to try and kill parts of the sport."

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We're all members of the ATP, we all pay membership and the reason it was set up was to protect players. It's not to try and kill parts of the sport.

Under the discussed plans, doubles draws at ATP 1000 events would be halved to 16 pairs, with only eight pairs competing at smaller tournaments. Prize money could also decrease from 20% to 10% of the total prize fund, with singles players likely to benefit. Lloyd Glasspool described the situation as "annoying," especially during Wimbledon, and questioned the ATP's motives, arguing that large crowds attend when known singles players participate in doubles, contradicting claims of a "product issue."

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It's not a product issue is it? If you know the players then you will watch them in singles or doubles.

A statement issued on behalf of the doubles players accused the ATP of attempting to end doubles as a "viable profession, dressed up as a cost-saving measure." The ATP responded by stating, "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."

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We understand where we are in the sport but I don't think we should be devalued. It's not like we just turn up to tournaments, have a giggle and go on to the next tournament.

British former world number one Neal Skupski emphasized the dedication of doubles players, telling the BBC, "We understand where we are in the sport but I don't think we should be devalued. It's not like we just turn up to tournaments, have a giggle and go on to the next tournament." Australian player Alex de Minaur acknowledged the players' situation but suggested that decisions are based on "numbers."

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I know a lot of these players, they train, they put in the hours, they do all the training that any other player does. It's obviously not nice to see, but it all comes down to probably numbers. I'm assuming that if these decisions have been made, it's for a reason.