ATP's Radical Rethink: A Blow to Doubles?
A seismic shift is on the horizon for professional tennis doubles. Following a crucial meeting at Wimbledon, the ATP Tour announced proposals to drastically cut the sport's doubles format. Plans include halving draw sizes, meaning events like ATP Masters 1000 tournaments could see only 16 teams compete, down from the current 32.
Furthermore, the percentage of prize money allocated to doubles players is set to plummet from 20 per cent to just 10 per cent. This controversial reallocation aims to bolster prize funds for singles players, particularly in the earlier rounds, as the tour seeks a more financially viable model.
Opelka Unloads: "They Lack Talent, Failed Singles Players"
World No.115 Reilly Opelka, known for his powerful serve and even more powerful opinions, has once again lit the fuse on social media. Without mincing words, the four-time ATP Tour titleist declared, "The problem isn't doubles... it's the doubles players – aside from [Marcel] Granollers, [Horacio] Zeballos and [Edouard] Vasselin."
Opelka didn't stop there. He bluntly asserted, "It’s not rocket science… nobody watches because they lack talent." This isn't the first time Opelka has targeted doubles; in 2025, he controversially claimed there were no such thing as "doubles specialists" – only "failed singles players." He even joked on Instagram about countryman Taylor Fritz's support for a new mixed doubles format, reaffirming his stance that "they should 100% get rid of dubs."
His rationale? "They don’t sell a single ticket, they take up practice courts/physios/resources, they don’t turn a profit, they complain that they don’t make enough $$. That’s pretty greedy behaviour if you ask me," Opelka blasted.
Doubles Stars Fight Back: "Not a Carnival Sideshow"
Unsurprisingly, Opelka's scathing remarks and the ATP's proposals have ignited a furious response from the doubles community. British doubles player and former Wimbledon champion Henry Patten was quick to hit back, posting a picture of one of Opelka's sparsely attended matches as a visual retort.
A collective statement from leading doubles players powerfully countered the narrative: "Doubles isn't a carnival sideshow. It is one of the most successful parts of tennis... The impact of the ATP's proposals will be to diminish the sporting excellence... It will be impossible to make a living [for those outside the top 30]. This is a plan to end doubles as a viable profession." They highlight the disparity, with Jannik Sinner earning $1.151m for winning **Indian Wells** singles, while doubles champions **Guido Andreozzi** and **Manuel Guinard** each received **$234,000** for their win there.
The ATP's Justification: Building a 'Sustainable' Tour
Amidst the escalating tension, the ATP Tour has stood firm, explaining their rationale. An ATP spokesperson stated, "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 tour also emphasised the potential for increased investment in early-round singles prize money, which could help more players meet the costs of competing and build sustainable professional careers. They assure that any changes will come after close consultation with players, tournaments, and the ATP board, prioritising the "best long-term interests of the sport and its consumers."
The Future of Doubles Hangs in the Balance
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: professional tennis is at a crossroads regarding its doubles format. **Reilly Opelka's** provocative comments have undeniably amplified the discussion, forcing a critical look at the value and viability of doubles within the wider tennis ecosystem. The coming months will reveal whether the ATP's vision for a streamlined, singles-focused tour takes precedence, or if the passionate defense from doubles players can sway the tide and preserve their professional future.
