Riot in world professional tennis. The heavyweights of the women's and men's circuits want more money
A new letter challenges the Grand Slam tennis tournaments for the disproportion between the revenues generated and the prizes distributed to the athletes. Among the signatories are names from the Top 20 WTA and ATP.
Novak Djokovic is with his colleagues in the circuit PHOTO Getty
A battle is raging off the court between the players and the organizers of the Grand Slam tournaments. A battle consisting mainly of press releases. The fight has been going on for over a year. At the heart of the dispute is the distribution of revenue at the most prestigious tournaments. And on the eve of Roland Garros, the camp of tennis players makes its voice heard again with a letter.
A group of athletes, including Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff, expressed “deep and collective disappointment” compared to the awards planned to be given in Paris.
The essence of the problem is the same: the percentage of revenue allocated to athletes. Organizers announced a 9.5% increase in prize money to €61.7 million, with around €2.8 million going to the winners of the singles draw. But this is not enough for the players. According to their estimates, this figure represents only 14-15% of the total income of the tournament, a share considered too small compared to the value to which they themselves contribute.
The comparison is made with other disciplines. In the ATP and WTA tournaments, the distribution is about 22%, while in the major US sports leagues, the weight allocated to athletes is close to 50%. These numbers are fueling discontent and reinforcing a position now shared by top players: Grand Slams must change. In the joint statement, the players point out how, despite Roland Garros' ever-growing revenue – around €395 million in 2025 and more than €400 million forecast for this year – their share is actually falling.
“While Roland Garros is on track for record revenue, players are getting a smaller and smaller share of the value they contribute to its creation. Grand Slam tournaments are resistant to change,” the letter reads, according to the Times.
The letter also complains about the lack of dialogue on crucial topics such as athlete welfare and their involvement in key decisions, starting with the calendar.
The issues addressed are identical to those in previous letters, but there is a new signatory: this time, Novak Djokovic is included. From the side of the organizers, however, the response was quick.
The French federation claimed that the tournament is run by a non-profit organization and that the proceeds are reinvested in the development of the tournament.
