Coco Gauff has become the latest person to speak out publicly about an ongoing dispute between players and the four Grand Slam tournaments regarding the amount of financial support they receive.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that a new letter was sent to each of the major events, which was co-signed by the majority of top-10 players on the ATP and WTA Tours (at the time it was sent). The group, represented by former WTA CEO Larry Scott, argues that players should receive a higher share of revenue from those tournaments. They are also calling for a welfare fund to be established, as well as a player council that would give them a greater say in the decision-making process.
Negotiations between the two parties are being conducted behind closed doors, but world No.3 Gauff confirmed on Friday that a new meeting recently took place, which she couldn’t attend due to it clashing with her practice schedule at the China Open. However, no information has been given about what was discussed.
“Overall, it’s been a long, long process with that. We have a player representative (Scott). I like to keep most of the comments for him because they did have a meeting this week,” Gauff told reporters at the China Open after beating Kamilla Rakhimova 6-4, 6-0.
“I did get a text message of a recap. I wouldn’t say I fully know all the details of what transpired as of last week. Overall, I know this started at Indian Wells this year when we all signed the letter, the top 10.”
The two-time Grand Slam champion insists that the calls from her and others are aimed at improving the Tour for all players in the top 300 and not just those at the very top. Each year, Grand Slams have increased the amount of prize money awarded to players, with the US Open increasing its total fund by 20% to $90M in 2025. However, when the prize money pool is calculated as a share of the tournament’s revenue, it is estimated to still be below 20% based on previous years.
“I think the goal is just obviously increasing the percentage of prize money, but also making it better, not just for us but throughout the field. The top 10 signed a letter as a representation of the entire Tour, within the top 200 or top 300, I would say.” Gauff commented.
“Unfortunately, it’s like that: the top players, you can put more pressure, your voices are heard a little bit more. We try to take advantage of that and use it.
“I think the biggest message is not just to benefit us, it’s to benefit all the players.”
Men’s world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz has also weighed in on the topic, which he describes as a ‘mess.’ The Spaniard argues players deserve a better deal and are fighting to ensure that they get one.
“We are all tennis players and we are fighting to have something better for us,” he said.
“I think right now, it’s a little bit a mess between everything, between the ATP (men’s tour), between the Grand Slams.
“What we want, all the players, is to have everything together.”
Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek have also reportedly signed the letter, which was sent on July 30th but has only now been publicly confirmed by multiple media sources. It is unclear if or when a deal could be reached on these matters.
