Top Players Urge Grand Slams to Hike Prize Money Amid Disputes Over Revenue Distribution
The highly anticipated Australian Open is set to kick off, but tensions between top players and the major tournaments remain unresolved. Despite a 16% increase in prize money, with the singles champions set to collect over £2 million each, players are still demanding more substantial growth in their share of the Grand Slam's revenue.
Coco Gauff, one of the key figures leading the charge for higher prize money, expressed her dissatisfaction with the current percentage, stating that it "still is not where we would like it." The American tennis star, who will make her first Grand Slam appearance in 2026, believes further conversations are necessary and that more pressure needs to be applied by top players.
Gauff's sentiments are echoed by other top players, including defending champion Madison Keys. Keys stressed the importance of fair distribution of revenue, particularly when it comes to player welfare benefits and scheduling issues. She pointed out that the slams, as the highest revenue generators in tennis, have a responsibility to partner with their top players.
The increased prize money at this year's Australian Open has been seen as a step in the right direction, but many feel it does not go far enough. Gauff acknowledged that progress has been made, but emphasized that "it still is not where we would like it." The situation highlights the ongoing dispute between tennis' top players and major tournaments over revenue distribution.
Meanwhile, Katie Boulter, a former British No 1, expressed optimism ahead of her first Grand Slam appearance in 2026. Despite a challenging 2025, which saw her drop from 24th to outside the top 100, Boulter is feeling positive about her prospects this year. Her impending wedding to Australian star Alex De Minaur has given her a renewed sense of positivity and excitement for the upcoming season.
As the tennis world gears up for another high-stakes tournament, players will be keeping a close eye on developments regarding prize money and revenue distribution. With more pressure expected from top players like Gauff and Keys, it remains to be seen how the Grand Slams will respond to these demands.
The highly anticipated Australian Open is set to kick off, but tensions between top players and the major tournaments remain unresolved. Despite a 16% increase in prize money, with the singles champions set to collect over £2 million each, players are still demanding more substantial growth in their share of the Grand Slam's revenue.
Coco Gauff, one of the key figures leading the charge for higher prize money, expressed her dissatisfaction with the current percentage, stating that it "still is not where we would like it." The American tennis star, who will make her first Grand Slam appearance in 2026, believes further conversations are necessary and that more pressure needs to be applied by top players.
Gauff's sentiments are echoed by other top players, including defending champion Madison Keys. Keys stressed the importance of fair distribution of revenue, particularly when it comes to player welfare benefits and scheduling issues. She pointed out that the slams, as the highest revenue generators in tennis, have a responsibility to partner with their top players.
The increased prize money at this year's Australian Open has been seen as a step in the right direction, but many feel it does not go far enough. Gauff acknowledged that progress has been made, but emphasized that "it still is not where we would like it." The situation highlights the ongoing dispute between tennis' top players and major tournaments over revenue distribution.
Meanwhile, Katie Boulter, a former British No 1, expressed optimism ahead of her first Grand Slam appearance in 2026. Despite a challenging 2025, which saw her drop from 24th to outside the top 100, Boulter is feeling positive about her prospects this year. Her impending wedding to Australian star Alex De Minaur has given her a renewed sense of positivity and excitement for the upcoming season.
As the tennis world gears up for another high-stakes tournament, players will be keeping a close eye on developments regarding prize money and revenue distribution. With more pressure expected from top players like Gauff and Keys, it remains to be seen how the Grand Slams will respond to these demands.
. i mean, £2m is a lot of money, but when you think about all the hours they put in on the court, it just doesn't seem like enough 
. and katie boulter seems so chill about it though 
. maybe the grand slams will listen to what these top players are saying & increase prize money more? we'll see 
. i'm just hoping they can get their act together 'cause tennis is such a huge deal for many people 
. Like, I get that its a business and all, but come on, we're talking about athletes here who are putting their bodies on the line every week. 16% increase is cool and all, but Coco's right, its still not enough 
. And what really gets me is when they say "revenue distribution" like it's some kinda secret recipe 
. We need more transparency, you know? Players should be able to see where their money's coming from and make sure its being used fairly. Its all about fairness and equality, you feel?
... 16% increase is nice but we need way more 
... coco gauff and madison keys are leading the charge and i think it's about time they do 
... katie boulter seems optimistic but i'm still skeptical about her chances in 2026 
... hope they can resolve this issue before australasian open kicks off 