The proposals would mean only 16 teams competing at ATP 1000 events and eight at the smaller tournaments on the men’s tour.
The percentage of prize money devoted to doubles players could fall from 20% to 10% – with the money redistributed to singles players.
There are concerns the current size of doubles events puts greater strain on player facilities at tournaments.
“We understand where we are in the sport but I don’t think we should be devalued,” said British former world number one Neal Skupski.
“Some people don’t appreciate how much effort we put in day in, day out to this sport.
“It’s not like we just turn up to tournaments, have a giggle and go on to the next tournament.”
At the first Masters 1000 event of the year in Indian Wells, Jannik Sinner received $1.151m (£860,000) for winning the title. Guido Andreozzi and Manuel Guinard took home $234,000 (£175,000) each for their doubles triumph.
The players argue the changes mean there would be no future for doubles players ranked outside the world’s top 30.
The ATP outlined their plans in a players’ meeting at the All England Club, where Italy’s Andrea Vavassori and El Salvador’s Marcelo Arevalo represented the doubles players.
“It is just a proposal, of course,” said two-time French Open champion Arevalo.
“But it should be a time to give more opportunities to tennis players rather than giving them away.”
An ATP spokesperson said: “We are assessing the doubles product, draw sizes and player compensation distribution with the aim of creating a more sustainable long-term model while maintaining doubles’ important role on the tour.”
