The worldās top-ranked ATP and WTA players are uniting to demand a larger share of Grand Slam revenue, according to LāĆquipe. The move follows the controversial lawsuit filed by the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) against governing bodies, further intensifying tensions over financial distribution in the sport.
The report states that the Top 20 players from both tours have sent a formal letter to the four Grand Slam tournaments (Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open) calling for a significant prize money increase and a more equitable distribution of revenue.
According to the report, a key argument in their case is the stark contrast between tennis earnings and those in leagues such as the NBA, where players receive 50% of total revenue.
At the 2024 French Open, for example, total prize money reached nearly ā¬54 million, representing just 16% of the tournamentās estimated ā¬338 million revenue from the previous season.
Aryna Sabalenka won the 2024 US Open (Al Bello/Getty Images)
This disparity has fueled player frustration, particularly among lower-ranked professionals, who often struggle to cover travel and competition expenses despite rising purses for Grand Slam singles champions.
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Grand Slam prize money continues to rise
In recent years, the four Grand Slam tournaments have increased prize pools, distributing a combined $254 million in 2024, up from $231 million the previous year. While singles champions have seen substantial payouts, concerns persist over the earnings gap for lower-ranked players.
With less than two months until Roland Garros, the tournament has yet to confirm its official prize money distribution for 2024. Whether the playersā demands will prompt further adjustments or escalate the standoff with tournament organizers remains to be seen.
