Top Tennis Players Demand Better Prize Money and Welfare Support from Grand Slams

Letter Urges Financial Reforms and Greater Player Involvement

A letter obtained by the Associated Press on Thursday outlines serious demands from elite tennis players directed at the Grand Slam tournaments. The letter focuses on three key areas of progress:

1. Financial support for player welfare programs through contributions from the Grand Slam events to the ATP and WTA-funded initiatives.

2. A fairer share of tournament revenue, requesting that prize money reflects players’ contributions to the value of these events.

3. Increased player involvement in decisions affecting competition, health, and overall welfare.

PTPA Lawsuit Adds Fuel to the Fire

This renewed push for reform comes in the wake of a lawsuit filed by the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) against the sport’s governing bodies. The breakaway player union, co-founded by Novak Djokovic, accuses tennis authorities of forming a cartel-like system that limits player input and profits at their expense.

The lawsuit directly targets the four Grand Slam tournaments, claiming they have enriched themselves while offering limited benefits to the very athletes who drive the sport’s popularity.

“The Slams profit at the players’ expense, to the detriment of fans and the game,” the lawsuit alleges.

Djokovic and Others Speak Out

In recent years, Novak Djokovic has consistently advocated for fairer distribution of prize money, calling attention to the disparity between top players and lower-ranked athletes. Though he once sparked backlash with his comments about gender-based earnings in 2016, Djokovic has since clarified and apologized, doubling down on the need for broader support for players post-career.

“What happens to players when the cameras stop rolling?” Djokovic previously asked, highlighting mental and financial challenges off the court.

Prize Pools Are Growing—But So Are Concerns

While prize money at the Grand Slams has steadily risen—with Wimbledon awarding $64 million, the Australian Open topping $60 million, and the U.S. Open hitting a record $75 million in 2024—the gap between revenue and player compensation remains wide.

Saudi investment in tennis has raised the stakes further. Jannik Sinner won the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, taking home $6 million, the largest winner’s purse in tennis history.

Calls for a More Equitable Model

Players like Zheng Qinwen and Casper Ruud argue that tennis should adopt a model similar to major American sports leagues. In the NBA, players receive close to 50% of basketball-related income.

“The US Open makes over $500 million and pays around $65 to $70 million. That’s about 15% to the players,” Ruud explained. “Even a small increase can make a huge difference—especially for qualifiers and early-round players.”

USTA Responds to Growing Pressure

In response, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) expressed willingness to engage in dialogue.

“The USTA is incredibly proud of the U.S. Open’s leadership in player compensation and support for global tennis,” said Brendan McIntyre, Senior Director of Corporate Communications.
“We remain committed to improving both player and fan experience.”

A Sport at a Crossroads

As tennis transitions from the Big Four era to a new generation, the influence of player voices is growing. With rising pressure, Grand Slam organizers must balance tradition with progress, ensuring that the players who elevate the game are given their fair share—both financially and structurally.