A group of prominent tennis players, including Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff, have collectively addressed the leaders of the four Grand Slam tournaments with a letter advocating for increased prize money and greater influence over decisions that impact them directly.
The letter, dated March 21, was sent seeking a face-to-face meeting during the Madrid Open with representatives from the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open. Signatures included ten of the top 11 women and the entire top ten men from early March, with names such as Sabalenka, Gauff, Iga Swiatek, and Madison Keys, in attendance.
The letter highlights key areas for improvement: more financial support for player welfare programs funded by the professional tours, a recalibrated percentage of tournament revenues for prize distributions reflecting players’ contributions, and amplified input in decisions affecting competition, health, and welfare.
This development occurs shortly after the Djokovic-co-founded players’ association launched an antitrust lawsuit against the women’s and men’s tours, the International Tennis Federation, and the sport’s integrity agency. This action aims for fairer financial distributions, citing concerns about the inadequate portion of revenues reaching players.
The suit referenced the significant revenue generated by the U.S. Open in a specific cocktail sale overshadowing what players earn. In response, the U.S. Tennis Association described its considerable investment in player compensation, noting a $75 million total compensation package, an increase from previous years. The USTA emphasized its commitment to open discussions with players and maintaining leadership in prize equality and size.
Other Grand Slam events like Wimbledon, the French Open, and the Australian Open also offered substantial prize pools. The USTA remains proud of its compensation achievements, showcasing a history of offering equal prize money and breaking monetary records, notably in the 2024 U.S. Open. The upcoming French Open is set to commence on May 25, as the tennis community keeps a close watch on these evolving conversations about financial and operational reforms within the sport.