Fierce Criticism! Doubles Players Angered After Planned Changes

A significant change could soon be coming to tennis doubles!

The number of entry spots at tour events is to be halved, with 16 teams allowed to play at Masters tournaments and eight at smaller events. The change is set to take effect in 2028. "This is no minor adjustment," criticize players led by world number one Henri Patten.

It is also added that "it is a plan to abolish doubles as a viable profession – disguised as a cost-saving measure."

"It is one of the most successful areas of tennis – and also an integral part of amateur sports – and holds the potential for so much more," the athletes state. Doubles, they add, is also the identity of the sport.

Players' Financial Concerns

Financially, such a change would also have major implications for the athletes. "Calculate for yourselves what this means for everyone not in the top 30: it will be impossible to make a living from it," the affected players write in a statement.

It is also criticized that there has been little consultation with athletes.

At last year's US Open, there was already an overhaul of the mixed doubles event. It was played over two days with 16 teams, and nomination for pure doubles specialists was hardly possible; the best singles players qualified via their ranking, and wildcards were also issued.