The world’s top tennis players remain at odds with the grand slams, with a second letter sent calling for major changes to the sport, including more prize money and consultation on changes.
Foxsports.com.au understands the letter was sent in August, following March’s initial requests, and the players sought a discussion with the grand slams before or during the US Open.
The slams responded saying the issues raised by the players cannot be solved until solutions are found to others, such as the calendar and whether a breakaway ‘premium tour’ which could radically change the landscape of tennis will be implemented.
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It sets the scene for a stormy Australian Open, the next grand slam, when key on and off-court figures will be together in one place.
The game’s leading players, who signed the first letter, have put their names to the message with the exception of Novak Djokovic who appears to be taking a step away from off-court issues.
Signees to the letters include Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, Jasmine Paolini, Emma Navarro, Zheng Qinwen, Paula Badosa, Mirra Andreeva, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Australia’s Alex de Minaur.
They are seeking to work with the slams for the betterment of the sport on three clear issues:
1. Player welfare benefits, with the players seeking contributions by the slams towards pensions, healthcare, maternity pay and education plans;
2. Player consultation, with the players unhappy key changes such as final set tiebreaks, Sunday starts to tournaments including the Australian Open, and the busy overall schedule of the tour have been made without their input. They are seeking the creation of a player council to work on these decisions;
3. Prize money, with the players wanting the gap closed between how much of overall revenue is paid out at slams (13 to 15% of revenue) and combined ATP/WTA events (22%).
They argue prize money increases would help lower-ranked players who often rely on grand slam pay days, even if they only lose in the first round, to bankroll their entire season.
Notably other sports, like the NBA, have collectively bargained a 50-50 revenue split between players and team owners.
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