Grand Slam prize money: Aryna Sabalenka joins top stars asking for action on prize money and player welfare
Dialogue between the group of players represented by former WTA chief Larry Scott and the Grand Slam’s leading players began earlier this year.
In March, players signed a letter sent to the big four teams requesting a meeting. This came shortly after the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) took legal action against tennis governing bodies, claiming they had “a blatant disregard for anti-competitive practices and the welfare of players”.
Sabalenka was among six stars who met with the leaders of all four Grand Slams at this year’s French Open – joined by Jannik Sinner, Alex de Minaur, Casper Ruud, Coco Gauff and Madison Keys, as well as group representatives – to discuss concerns.
This was followed by individual meetings for each Slam at Wimbledon, with women’s semi-finalist Belinda Bencic and men’s world number three Alexander Zverev attending on behalf of the players.
“These discussions were constructive and we followed up with suggestions on how our three demands could be resolved,” Bencic told BBC Sport.
The players’ group sent separate letters to all four Grand Slams to outline their bids.
Responses were received from each of the tournaments and Wimbledon advised that they would consider the suggestions.
Players are “exasperated” and feel the Grand Slams are not taking their concerns into account, according to a source.
“We have been disappointed in the responses we have received to proposals that address three key issues that we are actively seeking to improve,” Bencic added.
As a result, they decided to escalate tensions by speaking publicly and warning that they were willing to take further action, although what this might be has not yet been discussed.
