Iga Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka recently expressed their support for Jannik Sinner, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Casper Ruud, and other tennis stars after the Grand Slam tournaments failed to engage with them on issues related to player welfare and a fairer distribution of tournament revenue.
A meeting between players and the Grand Slam representatives took place during the 2025 French Open. However, the Grand Slam governing bodies declined to engage in further discussions with the players, citing a desire to resolve other legal cases before addressing the players’ concerns and demands.
Iga Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka React to Grand Slam Talks Being Delayed
During a press conference at the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh, Sabalenka mentioned that it is important that the Grand Slam tournaments, governing bodies, and players come together and find a solution that satisfies everyone.
“I think it’s the time right now to sit at a table and come to a conclusion that everyone will be happy with,” Sabalenka said.
Świątek added that it would be “great” if the Grand Slams would engage in more “open conversations” with the players. She pointed out that their demands extend beyond just prize money; they also include issues such as player pensions, health plans, and other important topics.
The former World No. 1 expressed disappointment over the Grand Slam tournaments’ unwillingness to communicate, calling it a “setback” that leaves players dissatisfied.
“For sure it would be great if the Grand Slams wanted to talk to us, because that’s how it’s supposed to be and I don’t really get why there’s no more open conversation. It’s not only about prize money, but also about the pension, the health plan and just having more smooth cooperation and communication in the future. So I think for sure it’s a setback and for sure the players are not happy with it,” Świątek said.
Jannik Sinner expressed a similar opinion last month while mentioning the top players’ meetings with the Grand Slams.
“We had good conversations with the Grand Slams at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, so it was disappointing when they said they cannot act on our proposals until other issues are resolved,” he said.
Aryna Sabalenka Prevails As Iga Świątek Crashes out of the 2025 WTA Finals
On the tennis side of things, Sabalenka is the top seed at the 2025 WTA Finals, and she began her campaign by defeating the eighth-seeded Jasmine Paolini in her first group stage match, winning with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-1.
In her second group stage match, the World No. 1 overcame fifth-seeded Pegula with a score of 6-4, 2-6, 6-3. She secured her place in the semifinals by eliminating the defending champion, third-seeded Gauff, in the final group stage match, winning 7-6(5), 6-2.
Following her win over Gauff in the final group stage match at the 2025 WTA Finals, Sabalenka is set to face the fourth seed, Amanda Anisimova, in the semifinals of the tournament.
Meanwhile, during her campaign at the WTA Finals, Świątek won her first group stage match against Keys (6-1, 6-2). However, her run at the event ended after she lost (3-6, 6-1, 6-0) to Elena Rybakina and (7-6(3), 4-6, 2-6) to Anisimova in her next two round-robin matches.
