Tennis-Navarro says players' demand for more prize money at majors is about fair treatment

By Shrivathsa Sridhar

(Reuters) -American Emma Navarro said she had put her name to a letter signed by the world's top tennis players calling for significant improvements in prize money at the four Grand Slams as a way to ensure players receive equal treatment.

French outlet L'Equipe reported late on Wednesday that the top 20 ATP and WTA players had sent the letter to the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open recently demanding a more equitable distribution of revenue.

While those at the top of the game are able to benefit from increased prize money, players at the lower levels often struggle due to a lack of steady sponsorship as well as expensive coaching, travel and accommodation.

"I talked a little bit to the other players about it and felt like it was a good idea to sign," the world number 11 told reporters at the Charleston Open on Wednesday.

"I think there have been some sort of unfair pay ratios - I don't know the correct terminology - but in the past.

"I think it's a good cause to come together as players and make sure we're getting treated fairly."

French Open organisers confirmed to Reuters that they had received the letter, adding that the Roland Garros remains committed to working with players and stakeholders to develop tennis responsibly and collectively.

"We have responded by proposing a direct, open and constructive meeting at the Madrid Open, at Roland-Garros, or at any other suitable time," the statement said.

"Over the last five years, the tournament's prize money has increased by 25%, reaching 53.4 million euros ($58.73 million) in 2024.

"Over the same period, Roland-Garros has also significantly increased (+50%) its investment in infrastructure and services (hotels, catering, etc.) dedicated to players."

The United States Tennis Association, which runs the U.S. Open, also confirmed it had received the letter and said it "welcomes open and direct conversations with players," while noting that it was proud of its history of leadership on player compensation.

"This includes offering equal prize money to men and women for more than 50 years and awarding the largest purse in tennis history at the 2024 U.S. Open," the USTA said in a statement to Reuters.

"As the national governing body of tennis in the U.S., we are also focused on ensuring that we can properly support and fund our mission of growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere."

Reuters has also contacted the other three Grand Slams seeking comment.

In 2024, a record $254 million in player compensation was awarded at the Grand Slams, up $23 million from 2023, and the trend is set to continue with the Australian Open in January boosting its prize money by 11.56% from last year.

At Melbourne Park this year, the champions collected nearly $2.2 million while players going out in the first round picked up around $83,000.

World number eight Zheng Qinwen told reporters more money from the Grand Slams would filter down to the lower ranks.

"I think that's going to benefit all the players, not only the top players, especially those that work hard during the year and need to get paid from the Grand Slams and have to survive," she added.

Zheng said tennis should follow the example of the NBA, where players earn in aggregate around 50% of basketball-related income.

"That's really positive, because if you look at basketball, they all get paid 50-50. The players, we're working really hard, because I'm a tennis player I know how much I've worked to arrive here," added the Olympic champion.

Zheng said she was unsure if the Grand Slams would listen to the demands of the players.

"We try to do what we can, and then let's see what the gods brings to us. But at least we're trying."

($1 = 0.9093 euros)

(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar and Shifa Jahan in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Rutherford and Christopher Cushing)