We are, as a group of WTA players against a rule change proposal that allows only
“the best of singles or doubles ranking for on-site entry for doubles”.
Reasons:
- We believe that with the current rules there are enough opportunities for singles players to play doubles through out the year if they choose to do so (Grand Slams, “Best of” sign in on-site, Top 20 WC). Many singles players choose not to play doubles at smaller WTA events to improve their doubles ranking.
- From the beginning of the year there have been 22 withdrawals from which only 1 by a doubles only team and the rest by singles players; 7 retirements from which 3 by doubles only.
- Unlike ATP Tour we have less amount of tournaments through out the year, thus taking those few spots in the doubles draw by singles players doubles players are losing their job opportunities.
- By allowing players to enter doubles events on a ranking basis that does not coincide with the event, limits job opportunities for players who have earned their ranking by competing in doubles competition.
- We would argue that apart from a few marquee players, the proposed rule changes will lower the quality of the WTA doubles product and the entry of the majority of singles players will neither sell more tickets nor add to the marketability of the tour.
Updates
August 22, 2018
I have finalized a formal letter outlining our impact data and the negative consequences of this proposal for dedicated doubles professionals. This document is currently being reviewed by player representatives to ensure our position is presented clearly during the upcoming governance discussions. I will provide an update once we receive confirmation that the memorandum has been delivered to the board.
3 Comments
I sign this petition not strictly for the reasons stated, as I believe allowing singles players to play doubles is beneficial. However, the current rules are not stringent enough to ensure singles players don’t abuse their entries and there is no compromise to benefit doubles players, mainly an increase of prize money ratio (which will also reduce singles entries abuse as doubles becomes more valuable).
This would be a big mistake since the doubles players on the ATP tour are being pushed out of tournaments since singles players end up playing and are many times easily beaten in the first round. This makes doubles less interesting. I believe it’s already been proven that it isn’t a good system overall.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
We are, as a group of WTA players against a rule change proposal that allows only
“the best of singles or doubles ranking for on-site entry for doubles”.
Reasons:
- We believe that with the current rules there are enough opportunities for singles players to play doubles through out the year if they choose to do so (Grand Slams, “Best of” sign in on-site, Top 20 WC). Many singles players choose not to play doubles at smaller WTA events to improve their doubles ranking.
- From the beginning of the year there have been 22 withdrawals from which only 1 by a doubles only team and the rest by singles players; 7 retirements from which 3 by doubles only.
- Unlike ATP Tour we have less amount of tournaments through out the year, thus taking those few spots in the doubles draw by singles players doubles players are losing their job opportunities.
- By allowing players to enter doubles events on a ranking basis that does not coincide with the event, limits job opportunities for players who have earned their ranking by competing in doubles competition.
- We would argue that apart from a few marquee players, the proposed rule changes will lower the quality of the WTA doubles product and the entry of the majority of singles players will neither sell more tickets nor add to the marketability of the tour.
Updates
August 22, 2018
I have finalized a formal letter outlining our impact data and the negative consequences of this proposal for dedicated doubles professionals. This document is currently being reviewed by player representatives to ensure our position is presented clearly during the upcoming governance discussions. I will provide an update once we receive confirmation that the memorandum has been delivered to the board.
3 Comments
doubles players deserve to have a job too. singles players just come in whenever they feel like it and mess up the draws for people who commit all year. its unfair and makes no sense for the sport
I sign this petition not strictly for the reasons stated, as I believe allowing singles players to play doubles is beneficial. However, the current rules are not stringent enough to ensure singles players don’t abuse their entries and there is no compromise to benefit doubles players, mainly an increase of prize money ratio (which will also reduce singles entries abuse as doubles becomes more valuable).
This would be a big mistake since the doubles players on the ATP tour are being pushed out of tournaments since singles players end up playing and are many times easily beaten in the first round. This makes doubles less interesting. I believe it’s already been proven that it isn’t a good system overall.
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 50 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
doubles players deserve to have a job too. singles players just come in whenever they feel like it and mess up the draws for people who commit all year. its unfair and makes no sense for the sport