Former World No. 1 doubles specialist
Ram, a six-time Grand Slam champion who recently concluded his professional career following a semifinal appearance at the U.S. Open, believes the ATP is missing a vital opportunity to highlight the unique appeal of the game. Speaking at a felicitation event hosted by the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association, the 42-year-old argued that the sport’s governing body should be looking for ways to expand the reach of doubles rather than restricting it.
The Case for Promoting Doubles Narratives
The veteran American emphasized that the team-based nature of doubles provides a compelling narrative that remains largely untapped by tennis promoters. He pointed out that because the vast majority of recreational and amateur tennis players participate in doubles, there is a natural audience that the professional tour is failing to engage effectively. According to Ram, the focus should shift toward telling these stories to grow the game's profile.
“The ATP should do a little bit more to promote the discipline of doubles,” Ram stated. “Most people, as amateurs and recreational players, play doubles. We have some amazing stories to be told. The team aspect of doubles, which lends itself to great stories, is untapped right now. So instead of talking about cutting, I would love to see more being done to promote doubles.”
Concerns Over Career Viability and Future Growth
Beyond the immediate impact on current professionals, Ram expressed concern that the proposed restrictions could have a broader, negative effect on the
“When I played singles for 13 years, a decent part of my income came from doubles,” Ram explained. “So it is not discouraging for just doubles players, but for tennis in general. It is discouraging for anyone looking to pursue a career in professional tennis.” As the sport approaches the 2028 implementation date for these changes, the debate over the balance between cost-cutting measures and the preservation of the doubles discipline remains a significant point of contention for players and stakeholders alike.
