A group of top ATP and WTA stars, including Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and others, have sent another letter to the four Grand Slams, urging reforms in prize money distribution and improved player benefits.
The move comes months after top players across men’s and women’s tennis held a high-level meeting with all four Grand Slams officials to discuss player welfare, prize money, and other key issues.
What Do We Know About Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Others’ 2nd Letter to the Grand Slams?
Other notable signatories of the letter include Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Jasmine Paolini.
As per The Associated Press, players are pushing for a bigger share of Grand Slam revenue, targeting an increase from 16% to 22% by 2030.
Furthermore, they have also called for pension, health, and maternity benefits to rise from zero to $12 million annually, and for greater representation through a new player council. The AP also shared that the letter was sent to all four Grand Slams on Jul. 30. Unlike the previous letter dated Mar. 21, this latest one excludes 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic as a signatory.
The players have also pointed out that prize money increases would particularly aid lower-ranked athletes, for whom even a first-round Grand Slam payout can fund an entire season.
For years, the allocation of prize money has been a key concern on the tour. In March, elite ATP and WTA players, including Djokovic, Alcaraz, Gauff, Świątek, and Sinner, petitioned the Grand Slams to raise prize money and ensure a fairer revenue share for players.
The players also requested a formal meeting with the heads of all four Grand Slams. The first of those took place at the French Open, attended by Sinner, Sabalenka, and Gauff, and later at Wimbledon. In fact, consultant Larry Scott was present at both meetings to address prize money, player welfare, and other key issues.
How Did the USTA Respond to Sinner, Alcaraz, and Gauff’s Letter?
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) responded to the players’ letter on Aug. 18, with the reply signed by interim co-CEO Brian Vahaly and the chief executive of professional tennis. Stacey Allaster. They highlighted that player compensation has grown 57% over the past five years, emphasizing that increases often coincide with additional contributions from players that generate more revenue.
“As you are aware, we have always been willing to increase compensation for players, as evidenced by the 57% growth of the U.S. Open purse over the past five years, particularly when additional collaboration on the part of the players helps to create additional revenue,” it read.
“For example, this year’s significant increase in compensation to $90 million reflects the addition of an extra day to the main draw singles competition and the resulting contribution made by players,” they added.
Vahaly and Allaster further emphasized their commitment to open, honest dialogue with players, aiming to strengthen tennis overall by improving the tournament calendar, increasing player involvement in decisions, and ensuring greater financial benefits.
