Players move push for pay and reforms into new Grand Slam council

Leading tennis players announced on Monday that they would stop publicly advocating for increased influence and financial gains from the four Grand Slams. Instead, they intend to advance their goals through a newly formed Player Advisory Council. The push for player representation in Grand Slam decision-making, enhanced player welfare funding, and a larger share of tournament revenues, including a proposed 22 percent of prize money, gained traction this year.

Players reduced their pre-tournament media commitments at the French Open and Wimbledon as a protest, and the Grand Slams have raised prize money amid mounting pressure from the group. The players view the council's formation and progress toward their main objectives as a substantial advancement. They highlighted that while the Grand Slams have yet to meet their target of 22 percent of tournament revenues by 2030, prize money has surged significantly since the campaign began last year.

The recent prize pools at the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open reached US$79.92 million, US$71.56 million, $86.79 million, and a record $108 million, respectively. The group praised a French Open proposal to tie payouts to tournament profits. Players expressed satisfaction with the US Open committing $2 million towards player welfare, hoping this contribution would grow in the future and inspire similar moves from the other three majors.

The statement emphasized the progress enabled by unified player action and constructive dialogue with the Grand Slams and tournament organizers. Players reiterated their right to resume the campaign if the council fails to deliver on these aims.