September 25, (THEWILL) — The push for specific changes in tennis governance and organisation has intensified with leading players sending a second letter to all four Grand Slam tournaments on July 30, though the correspondence has only emerged publicly now. Nearly all top-ranked players signed the document, including Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Iga Świątek, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Notably, Novak Djokovic did not participate after signing the original March letter.
Players are demanding three key reforms: Grand Slam contributions to a player welfare and benefit fund covering pensions, healthcare and maternity support; increased prize money from 16 percent to 22 percent of tournament revenue by 2030; and formation of a Grand Slam Player Council to give competitors input on major decisions. Jessica Pegula criticised recent tournament extensions, saying she opposed making events longer despite understanding the commercial motivation behind additional ticket sales.
The campaign has gained momentum with players hiring former WTA chief executive Larry Scott as their lobbyist, leading to meetings at the French Open and Wimbledon. These discussions proved productive initially, with players presenting their case in Paris before hearing responses from tournament organisers in London. Though sources indicate disappointment with subsequent written replies from the Grand Slams.
Legal pressure has mounted through the Professional Tennis Player Association lawsuit, which recently added the Grand Slams as defendants in an antitrust case targeting tennis governance. The USTA responded to player demands by citing their responsibility to fund tennis growth beyond professional competition, while pointing to the 21 percent prize money increase for the 2025 US Open as evidence of their commitment to player compensation.
The dispute has reached an impasse with no further formal negotiations scheduled, leaving both sides entrenched in their positions. The Australian Open’s prize money announcement for 2026, expected later this year, will likely serve as the next significant indicator of whether meaningful progress can be achieved between players and tournament organisers.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
