In a significant move that could reshape the governance of professional tennis, 20 of the world’s leading tennis players — including Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff — have signed a strongly worded letter to the heads of the four Grand Slam tournaments. The letter, dated March 21 and obtained by the Associated Press, demands increased prize money, improved player welfare, and greater influence in decision-making processes that affect athletes directly.
The letter was addressed to Craig Tiley (Australian Open), Stephane Morel (French Open), Sally Bolton (Wimbledon), and Lew Sherr (US Open), requesting an in-person meeting during the upcoming Madrid Open. At its core, the message urges the Grand Slam organizers to prioritize player concerns and recognize their role in generating the sport’s immense revenue.
Among the signatories are 10 of the top 11 women’s players from the week of March 3, including World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula. On the men’s side, the entire top 10 from the same week signed the letter, featuring Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Of these 20 players, 15 have either won a Grand Slam or reached a major final.
The letter focuses on three key demands:
- Grand Slam financial contributions to player welfare programs overseen by the ATP and WTA tours.
- Increased prize money to reflect a more equitable percentage of tournament revenues.
- Greater player involvement in decisions affecting competition format, player health, and overall welfare.
This coordinated move follows the Professional Tennis Players Association’s (PTPA) antitrust lawsuit, filed in New York last month against the ATP, WTA, the International Tennis Federation (ITF), and tennis’s integrity agency. While Djokovic is not listed as a plaintiff, he co-founded the PTPA and has been a vocal advocate for players’ rights.
A particularly striking point in the lawsuit alleges that the US Open earned more from the sale of a single specialty cocktail ($12.8 million) than it paid to the men’s and women’s champions combined in 2023.
Responding to the letter, USTA spokesman Brendan McIntyre said the association “welcomes open and direct conversations with players,” affirming their commitment to enhancing the sport for both athletes and fans. The USTA awarded a record $75 million in compensation at the 2024 US Open, up 15% from the previous year.
The growing calls for equity in professional tennis signal a potential turning point, as top players unite to reshape the sport’s economic and administrative landscape.
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