Doubles has always been one of the most enjoyable aspects of tennis for most social players. The quick points, the clever tactics at the net, the chemistry between partners — it’s good fun to play, and proper entertainment to watch. But right now, the format is getting pushed further and further into the abyss, especially with the ATP’s recent “Product 28” proposals that look set to cut draws in half and slash prize money shares even further.
Doubles specialists are rightly upset. Many are worried it’ll soon be impossible for anyone outside the very top to make a proper living. So while the debate is currently on, here are a few practical ideas worth considering if we actually want to turn things around.
Dedicated Social Media Accounts for Doubles
First up: exposure. Doubles barely gets a look-in on the main feeds. Singles highlights and drama dominate everything, while the doubles stories — the rivalries, the personalities, the tactical gems — get completely lost.
A simple fix? Give doubles its own dedicated ATP (and WTA) social channels. Not just automated match scores, but proper content: quick highlight clips, player interviews, funny moments from the court, and deep dives into why certain pairs work so well together. Build a real community around it. People already enjoy doubles when they watch it live at the tournaments — imagine what consistent promotion could do.
Give Slam Doubles Finals Their Own Session For a Cheaper Cost
Scheduling matters. Too often, the big doubles finals (or semi-finals/quarter-finals) are hidden away, played on a different day, or even a different court, so only the die-hards catch them. Or, when they are scheduled before a singles final, there are hours separating them, meaning the singles final ticket holders aren’t showing up.
Why not slot the men’s and women’s (and mixed) doubles finals in as the early session before the Slam (which it sometimes is admittedly), but promote it hard, and offer up $20 ground pass tickets to pack it out? Same big court, different raucous crowd. Fans who are genuinely interested in doubles, or even those who just want to be part of a Grand Slam final, will be able to watch it live, and be part of the final day action.
Create Proper “Party Courts” for Doubles
Doubles already has a more relaxed, fun vibe than singles a lot of the time. Let’s lean into that.
Set up dedicated doubles courts with a party atmosphere — music between points or matches, fan games, giveaways, maybe even some courtside commentary that keeps things light. Turn it into an event people actually want to hang around for, especially younger fans or families. The ‘party hole’ on the golf circuit has been a huge success, and having something like this for tennis seems like a no-brainer.
More Mixed Doubles, Especially at the Masters
Mixed doubles is fun. Simple as that. You get big names from both tours teaming up, unpredictable pairings, and some of the most entertaining tennis of the whole tournament.
Every joint Masters event should run a proper mixed doubles draw. The US Open has shown how popular it can be with the right format. Expand that, and you’d get more top singles players involved occasionally, creating natural crossover appeal that pulls in fans who might otherwise skip the doubles section entirely.
Make Doubles a Big Deal in Davis Cup Again
Davis Cup used to revolve around the full package — singles and doubles. That decisive doubles rubber on the Saturday often decided ties and created some legendary moments.
Bring it back as a proper pillar. It gives nations a real reason to invest in doubles specialists and adds another layer of strategy and national pride to the competition. It’s a stage where doubles can shine on its own merits internationally.
The Bottom Line
Doubles isn’t some sideshow. It can fill seats, it shows off skills you don’t always see in singles, and brings a different energy to the sport. With the right push — better marketing, smarter scheduling, and a bit of creativity — it could thrive again instead of shrinking.
These aren’t revolutionary ideas, just common-sense ones that put fans and the product first. The ATP and tournament organisers should be looking at ways to grow the whole sport, not just protect the biggest stars.
Often you’ll find doubles matches at the lower tiers such as Challenger events, completely full. There’s a certain camaraderie for social players who feel like they can relate to the doubles format more. It will never be for everyone, but tennis sure could make it work for a lot more players and fans alike.
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