“Percentage Has to Be Close” – Carlos Alcaraz Backs Coco Gauff and Novak Djokovic’s Coalition Demanding Grand Slam Pay Reform
The battle for fairer pay in professional tennis continues to gain momentum, as rising star Carlos Alcaraz adds his voice to the growing coalition led by Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, and others demanding reform in Grand Slam revenue distribution.
The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA)—spearheaded by Djokovic—recently filed a lawsuit against the ATP, WTA, ITIA, and ITF. According to PTPA director Ahmad Nassar, “Tennis is broken. Behind the glamorous veneer… players are trapped in an unfair system that exploits their talent.”
The movement escalated earlier this month when L’ÉQUIPE revealed a joint letter sent to Grand Slam organizers, reportedly signed by high-profile players including Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Emma Navarro, Gauff, Djokovic, and Alcaraz. Their message: it’s time for the players to receive a significantly larger share of tournament revenue.
In an April 16 interview with Marca, Alcaraz was asked if tennis is a well-paid sport.
“Tennis is a well-paid sport,” he said, “but it can always be improved. There’s a percentage that should go more toward the players.”
Regarding the collective letter, he confirmed his support:
“Yes, we agree. The percentages have to be fair. We’re the ones putting on the show for the fans, and the revenue we help generate should reflect that.”
The Numbers Behind the Discontent
The financial disparity is evident. Take the 2024 French Open, for example: it brought in over $371 million in total revenue, while the player prize pool stood at just $58.7 million—less than 16%.
Similarly, the 2024 US Open generated over $500 million, but only $75 million was allocated to players. The champions received $3.6 million each—a sum that, while impressive, accounts for a relatively small portion of overall earnings.
WTA stars have echoed similar concerns. Sabalenka called for “a bigger percentage for all players, especially at the Slams,” while Gauff pointed out that “visibility and equal opportunities” for women must also be part of the discussion.
Former player and analyst Rennae Stubbs emphasized the imbalance on her podcast:
“Winning a Slam nets you $3 to $4 million. But when those events make hundreds of millions, that’s not enough.”
She noted that elite players like Djokovic or Federer could make more than double that amount from a handful of exhibition matches, adding fuel to the argument that Grand Slam earnings for players—who compete over 15 days—are undervalued.
What’s Your Take?
Should players receive a greater share of Grand Slam revenue? Could the PTPA lawsuit bring real change? Join the conversation below.
