Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 25: A group of top-10 tennis players has sent a second letter to the four Grand Slam tournaments urging a larger share of revenues, aiming to increase their cut from the current 16% to 22% by 2030. The letter also seeks contributions to pension, health, and maternity benefits rising from zero to $12 million annually by the same year, along with greater influence through a new player council.

The letter, dated July 30, was signed by stars including Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Jack Draper, though Novak Djokovic did not sign this time. It outlines specific benchmarks for how the Grand Slam tournaments—the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open—could provide increased financial and consultative benefits to athletes.

Players are working with Larry Scott, former WTA CEO and ex-head of the Pac-12, as a consultant. Meetings have taken place between Scott, players, and officials from the four Grand Slam organisations to discuss the proposals.

The U.S. Tennis Association responded on Aug. 18, citing a 57% increase in the U.S. Open purse over five years and highlighting the record $5 million singles prize for champions Sabalenka and Alcaraz. The USTA reaffirmed its commitment to transparent discussions with players to enhance the tennis calendar, improve consultation, and increase financial value for all stakeholders.

The second letter follows the March appeal by players and an antitrust lawsuit filed by Djokovic’s Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) against the men’s and women’s tours. The four Grand Slam bodies, previously not named, have now been added as defendants in the legal action, which the PTPA describes as a step toward accountability and reform in professional tennis.