Top 20 players demand more prize money from Grand Slams

Record ID: 1988237

  • Title: Top 20 players demand more prize money from Grand Slams
  • Date: 4th April 2025
  • Summary: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA (FILE - JANUARY 12, 2025) (REUTERS) ROD LAVER ARENA PEOPLE WALKING THROUGH MELBOURNE PARK VARIOUS OF PEOPLE TAKING PHOTOS WITH ACTIVATIONS IN MELBOURNE PARK MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA (FILE - JANUARY 9, 2025) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF PEOPLE TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OUTSIDE ROD LAVER ARENA PARIS, FRANCE (FILE - MAY 23, 2019) (REUTERS) OUTSIDE OF ROLAND GARROS PEOPLE WA
  • Embargoed:
  • Keywords: ATP Australian Open French Open Grand Slams U.S. Open USTA WTA Wimbledon pay prize money revenue
  • Location: VARIOUS
  • City: VARIOUS
  • Country: UK
  • Topics: Europe,Sport,Tennis
  • Reuters ID: LVA003424604042025RP1
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text:The world's top tennis players have signed a letter calling for significant improvements in prize money at the four Grand Slams as a way to ensure players receive equal treatment.
    French outlet L'Equipe reported late on Wednesday that the top 20 ATP and WTA players had sent the letter to the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open recently demanding a more equitable distribution of revenue.
    While those at the top of the game are able to benefit from increased prize money, players at the lower levels often struggle due to a lack of steady sponsorship as well as expensive coaching, travel and accommodation.
    French Open organisers confirmed to Reuters that they had received the letter, adding that the Roland Garros remains committed to working with players and stakeholders to develop tennis responsibly and collectively.
    "We have responded by proposing a direct, open and constructive meeting at the Madrid Open, at Roland-Garros, or at any other suitable time," the statement said.
    "Over the last five years, the tournament's prize money has increased by 25%, reaching 53.4 million euros ($58.73 million) in 2024.
    "Over the same period, Roland-Garros has also significantly increased (+50%) its investment in infrastructure and services (hotels, catering, etc.) dedicated to players."
    The United States Tennis Association, which runs the U.S. Open, also confirmed it had received the letter and said it "welcomes open and direct conversations with players," while noting that it was proud of its history of leadership on player compensation.
    "This includes offering equal prize money to men and women for more than 50 years and awarding the largest purse in tennis history at the 2024 U.S. Open," the USTA said in a statement to Reuters.
    "As the national governing body of tennis in the U.S., we are also focused on ensuring that we can properly support and fund our mission of growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere."
    Reuters has also contacted the other Grand Slams seeking comment.
    In 2024, a record $254 million in player compensation was awarded at the Grand Slams, up $23 million from 2023, and the trend is set to continue with the Australian Open in January boosting its prize money by 11.56% from last year.
    At Melbourne Park this year, the champions collected nearly $2.2 million while players going out in the first round picked up around $83,000.
    (Production: Revathi Hariharan)
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