Top 20 men's and women's tennis players call for greater prize money from Grand Slams amid 'unfair pay ratios'
By Will Conroy
Updated 03/04/2025 at 18:20 GMT+1
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The world's top tennis players have sent a letter to the four Grand Slams, calling for an increase in prize money. Emma Navarro and Zheng Qinwen are among the players to confirm their signatures on the letter, with the former citing "unfair pay ratios". The players have requested a meeting to be held over increasing their share of the revenue generated by the four major tournaments.
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The top 20 players from the men’s and women’s tours have sent a letter to the four Grand Slams asking for an increase in prize money.Â
The players requested a meeting to discuss their share of the revenue generated by the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.
World No. 11 Emma Navarro said she signed the letter, which French publication L'Equipe first reported on Wednesday, over "unfair pay ratios".
The American said: "I talked a little bit to the other players about it and felt like it was a good idea to sign.
"I think it's a good cause to come together as players and make sure we're getting treated fairly."
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In 2024, a record $254 million in player compensation was awarded at the Grand Slams, up $23 million from 2023, according to Reuters.
The prize money at last year’s Wimbledon was double what it was in 2014, and the prize for first-round losers increased from ÂŁ27,000 to ÂŁ60,000 in that time.Â
However, players continue to vocalise how they feel they should be earning a greater share of the revenues generated by the Grand Slams.Â
Olympic champion and world No. 8 Qinwen Zheng said the proposed changes would be particularly helpful for lower-ranked players on tour.
She said: "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."
Zheng cited the NBA’s model, saying players earn around 50% of basketball-related income.
She added: "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.
"We try to do what we can, and then let's see what the gods bring to us. But at least we're trying."
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