Top tennis players end prize-money campaign
Leading tennis players have suspended their 18-month campaign for more prize money and welfare support from the grand slams, following the creation of a
The world's top tennis players have called a truce in their long-running dispute with the four grand slam tournaments. Their 18-month campaign, which included a media boycott at the French Open, has been suspended following key concessions.
Jannik Sinner and US Open finalist Aryna Sabalenka were prominent voices in the player group, though Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the effort last month. The players had been agitating for a greater share of tournament revenues, welfare and pension contributions, and a formal role in decision-making.
Creation of a player council
A key development came in August when all four grand slam tournaments agreed to establish a grand slam player advisory council. The players' statement said this new body will allow for direct consultation and ongoing negotiation. "Now that a formal council exists to carry this work forward, the public phase of the campaign led by the unified group of top players comes to a close," the statement read.
The players warned they could restart the campaign if the council fails to deliver. They stated they will make no further unified public comments on the issues for now.
Campaign achievements claimed
The players claim victories in all three areas of their campaign. At this year's US Open, the USTA agreed to a $2 million contribution to player welfare. While the target of allocating 22% of grand slam revenues to prize money remains unmet, the players highlighted significant financial growth.
They said that since their formal proposal on July 31, 2025, total prize money across the slams has grown to $415.6 million. The players estimate that over $30 million of that increase is directly attributable to their campaign, representing gains above previous growth rates.
The ongoing prize money gap
Despite increases, the share of revenue going to prize money remains around 15% across all four major tournaments. Only the French Open has indicated it will introduce a revenue-sharing formula. The players' statement framed the current figures as progress. "This is a sign of the gains made possible by concerted, unified player action in an individual sport," they said.
A planned media boycott at Wimbledon was called off after the All England Club made concessions. The players now say they will work directly with the slams to establish the new advisory council.
