Double joy for Austrians at Wimbledon, but there is concern

The Viennese, who has only been concentrating entirely on doubles since the beginning of the year, and Nouza will now face the number 3 seeded Brits and defending champions Julian Cash/Lloyd Glasspool, while Cabral/Miedler will face the equally strong Germans Kevin Krawietz/Tim Pütz (No. 7).

But in the double scene, dark storm clouds dominate the mood: the ATP’s radical plans are causing great excitement. From 2028 onwards they want to drastically reduce the playing fields in doubles (Masters 1000 only 16 instead of 32 teams, 500-250 level only 8). In addition, single players should receive preferential access to challengers and the prize money split in tournaments should be split from 80:20 to 90:10 to the detriment of doubles. According to information from the doubles players, all four Grand Slam tournaments want to maintain doubles as it currently is.

“It’s a very money-driven world.”

World number one Harri Heliovaara was shocked. “Sad things are going this wrong way. It’s a very money-driven world.” All tennis aces shared a statement on their social channels with the main message calling for constructive dialogue. A longer letter read, among other things: “Double is not a carnival side show. This is no small adjustment. The plan is to end doubles as a legitimate profession – disguised as a cost-cutting measure.” In addition to many other arguments, including the one that tennis is actually booming, it is also stated that 70 percent of recreational athletes worldwide play doubles.