Tennis Stars Unite to Demand Fairer Prize Money at Grand Slams

The world's top 20 tennis players have written to the Grand Slams, asking for a greater share of the revenue. They cite unfair pay ratios and the vast profits generated by the tournaments.

The top 20 men's and women's players have sent a letter to the four Grand Slams asking for more prize money. The letter, which was first reported by French newspaper L'Equipe, requested a meeting to discuss players receiving a greater share of the revenue generated by the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open. World number 11 Emma Navarro cited "unfair pay ratios" as a reason for putting her name to the letter. "I talked a little bit to the other players about it and felt like it was a good idea to sign", the 23-year-old American said on Wednesday. "I think it's a good cause to come together as players and make sure we're getting treated fairly." Prize money at last year's Wimbledon was £50m, exactly double the amount offered in 2014. In that 10-year period, prize money for first-round losers increased from £27,000 to £60,000. But players have frequently pointed to the vast revenues generated by the Grand Slams, and feel they deserve a significantly larger return. In the year up to July 2023, the All England Club (AELTC) had a turnover of £380m. But once the costs of running the Championships were deducted, the operating profit was just under £54m. Nearly £49m of that went to the LTA, as the AELTC has agreed to pay the governing body 90% of its annual surplus until 2053. Costs include prize money, employing more than 8,000 seasonal staff, preparing and developing the site and supporting other grass court events. Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen said increased prize money would be particularly welcomed by lower-ranked players, who can struggle to make ends meet at other times of the year. "I think that's going to benefit all the players, not only the top players, especially those that work hard during the year and need to get paid from the Grand Slams and have to survive", added the Chinese world number eight. "We try to do what we can, and then let's see what the gods bring to us. But at least we're trying." It comes little more than two weeks after the Professional Tennis Players' Association (PTPA) launched legal action against tennis' governing bodies, citing "anti-competitive practices and a blatant disregard for player welfare". The lawsuit by the players' group, which was co-founded by Novak Djokovic, seeks an end to what it describes as "monopolistic control" of the tennis tour, as well as financial compensation from the ATP, the WTA, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).

What to Read Next

Zheng Qinwen Dominates Emma Raducanu in Thrilling Queen's Quarter-Final
Tennis

Zheng Qinwen Dominates Emma Raducanu in Thrilling Queen's Quarter-Final

Zheng Qinwen outclassed Emma Raducanu in a gripping quarter-final at Queen's, showcasing her dominance on grass courts.

Thrilling French Open Sets Stage for Wimbledon: A Preview of the Grass-Court Season
Tennis

Thrilling French Open Sets Stage for Wimbledon: A Preview of the Grass-Court Season

The French Open delivered unforgettable moments, setting the stage for an exciting Wimbledon. Explore the key highlights and what to expect in the grass-court season.

How Nadal's Mentorship Propelled Hannah Klugman to French Open Junior Final
Tennis

How Nadal's Mentorship Propelled Hannah Klugman to French Open Junior Final

Discover how Rafael Nadal's advice inspired Hannah Klugman to reach the French Open junior final, marking a historic moment in British tennis.

Historic Victory and Dynamic Duo: Women's Tennis Triumphs at Queen's Club
Tennis

Historic Victory and Dynamic Duo: Women's Tennis Triumphs at Queen's Club

Sonay Kartal secures a landmark win as women's tennis returns to Queen's Club, while Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter shine in doubles.

Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner: A French Open Final for the Ages
Tennis

Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner: A French Open Final for the Ages

Carlos Alcaraz's epic comeback against Jannik Sinner in the French Open final is being hailed as one of the greatest matches in tennis history.

Carlos Alcaraz's Epic Comeback: The Longest French Open Final in History
Tennis

Carlos Alcaraz's Epic Comeback: The Longest French Open Final in History

Relive the historic French Open final where Carlos Alcaraz staged an epic comeback against Jannik Sinner, marking the longest match in the tournament's history.

Carlos Alcaraz Triumphs Over Jannik Sinner in Historic French Open Final
Tennis

Carlos Alcaraz Triumphs Over Jannik Sinner in Historic French Open Final

Carlos Alcaraz staged an incredible comeback to defeat Jannik Sinner in the longest French Open final, securing his fifth major title in a thrilling match.

Novak Djokovic: The Journey to 100 Titles and Beyond
Tennis

Novak Djokovic: The Journey to 100 Titles and Beyond

Explore Novak Djokovic's remarkable journey to 100 titles, his historic achievements, and what lies ahead for the tennis legend.

Hannah Klugman's Valiant Effort Falls Short in French Open Juniors Final
Tennis

Hannah Klugman's Valiant Effort Falls Short in French Open Juniors Final

Hannah Klugman, 16, narrowly missed becoming the first British junior in nearly 50 years to win the French Open, losing to Lilli Tagger in the final.

Heartbreak for British Duo: Salisbury & Skupski Fall Short in French Open Doubles Final
Tennis

Heartbreak for British Duo: Salisbury & Skupski Fall Short in French Open Doubles Final

British pair Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski narrowly missed out on their first Grand Slam title in a thrilling French Open doubles final against Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos.

BBC Sport Secures Exclusive Rights to Queen's Club Championships Until 2027: A New Era for Grass-Court Tennis
Tennis

BBC Sport Secures Exclusive Rights to Queen's Club Championships Until 2027: A New Era for Grass-Court Tennis

BBC Sport extends its deal with the Lawn Tennis Association to broadcast the Queen's Club Championships until 2027, featuring both men's and women's events for the first time in over 50 years.

Emma Raducanu's Clay Court Mastery: A Rising Star in Tennis
Tennis

Emma Raducanu's Clay Court Mastery: A Rising Star in Tennis

Emma Raducanu shines on clay with a commanding win at the Italian Open, showcasing her growing prowess and strategic gameplay.

From Manchester to Kosovo: The Inspiring Journey of Building Kosovo's First Tennis Court
Tennis

From Manchester to Kosovo: The Inspiring Journey of Building Kosovo's First Tennis Court

Discover how David Bryceland's decade-long fundraising effort led to the creation of Kosovo's first all-weather tennis court, transforming lives and fostering hope.

Raducanu's Remarkable Comeback Sets Stage for Thrilling Clash with Gauff at Italian Open
Tennis

Raducanu's Remarkable Comeback Sets Stage for Thrilling Clash with Gauff at Italian Open

Emma Raducanu stages an impressive comeback to secure a match against Coco Gauff in the Italian Open, showcasing her resilience and skill on clay.

Kostyuk Commends Kasatkina's Bold Move from Russia to Australia Ahead of Italian Open Clash
Tennis

Kostyuk Commends Kasatkina's Bold Move from Russia to Australia Ahead of Italian Open Clash

Marta Kostyuk praises Daria Kasatkina's courage in switching nationalities from Russia to Australia, highlighting her stance against the Ukraine conflict and LGBTQ+ laws.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.