Alex de Minaur Discusses the Potential Cuts on the Doubles Circuit by the Tennis Bodies

Alex de Minaur has admitted that he is not in the right position to give a full answer on the current issue between the doubles players and the ATP. The men’s circuit governing body plans to reduce the size of draws and prize money at tournaments, but doubles players have accused the organization of trying to kill off part of the sport.

There have been discussions over the past week about plans to reduce the doubles draw at the ATP Masters 1000 events. The draw, which has had 32 pairs, will now be reduced to just 16 pairs, with only eight pairs competing in ATP 500 and 250-level tournaments in the men’s circuit. Also, prize money could fall from 20% to 10% of the total pot, with singles players likely to benefit more.

The ATP is in discussions to make the plans active from 2028, but it has gathered widespread criticism from doubles players, including British star Julian Cash and renowned coach Calvin Betton. The players have voiced their concerns about transparency and the wider implications of the proposal.

After De Minaur secured his place in the fourth round of Wimbledon on Saturday (July 4), he was asked about the ATP plans for the doubles category. The Australian star admitted that there has to be a discussion with players on tour, with everyone knowing the reason behind the proposed cuts in doubles:

We’ve got to look at the numbers. I don’t have the numbers in front of me. If it’s working, then I’m sure there wouldn’t have been cuts. 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.

ATP tournament organizers have previously complained about the reduced influence of doubles. It has become harder to sell doubles tickets on tour, as stadium stands are likely to be empty during a doubles match. But there’s quite a difference between a top singles player competing in the category.

This has reduced revenue from the doubles competition. There has been a wide range of decline in promotional formula for the sport. The doubles players have accused the ATP of poor marketing and event staging, which has significantly reduced the competition’s influence.

Alex de Minaur excited after reaching the fourth round of the Wimbledon Championships

Alex de Minaur booked his place in the last 16 at Wimbledon after defeating Zachary Svajda 6-2, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4. By claiming the victory, he has now made it to the last 16 of a major tournament for the 15th time in his career and for the fourth time at the All England Club. The only other Australian man to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon multiple times is Nick Kyrgios.

De Minaur is now seeking to reach the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the eighth time but has never gone past that stage. He’s still waiting for his first semi-final place at a major tournament. During the aforementioned press conference, the Aussie admitted that he’s happy with the way his body has been responding at the grass-court major event:

I am very happy to have passed the first week. That is always the first goal in a Grand Slam. Now the crucial stage of the tournament begins. I like how I’m playing, the body responds perfectly, and today was probably the match where I moved best on the court. I feel very comfortable sliding on both sides, something crucial here.

The fifth seed will face Flavio Cobolli in the fourth round on Monday (July 6) at the All England Club. De Minaur is currently ranked World No.6 in the ATP rankings, but a good run at Wimbledon can see him climb into the top 5 for the first time in his career. However, he will hope that Felix Auger-Aliassime doesn’t go past the fourth round.

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