Top Tennis Stars Escalate Push for Fairer Prize Money: Alcaraz, Sinner, and Sabalenka Lead Second Letter to Grand Slams
In a bold escalation of their ongoing campaign for equity in tennis, world No. 1s Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka—alongside Jannik Sinner and a cadre of top ATP and WTA talents—have signed a second open letter to the four Grand Slam tournaments, demanding a greater share of revenues and improved player benefits. Dated July 30, 2025, and obtained by the Associated Press, the letter arrives just weeks after the US Open’s record $65 million total purse (with champions like Alcaraz and Sabalenka each pocketing $3.6 million—up from $2.6 million in 2023). Yet, the stars argue it’s not enough, citing soaring tournament profits amid stagnant player cuts. This follows a March 2025 missive that prompted private meetings at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, but yielded limited action.
The Letter’s Core Demands
Circulated quietly over the summer and now public, the document—signed by over 20 elite players—urges reforms to address what they call a “disproportionate” revenue split. Key points include:
– **Higher Prize Money Allocation**: Players seek at least 25-30% of Grand Slam revenues (currently around 15-20%), benchmarked against NBA (50%) or NFL (48%) models. With the US Open generating $500 million+ annually, they propose scaling early-round payouts more aggressively to support lower-ranked pros.
– **Enhanced Player Benefits**: Calls for better insurance coverage, mental health resources, and family support (e.g., childcare stipends), especially for traveling parents. It also pushes for equal pay parity across all Slams—already achieved at the US Open but uneven elsewhere.
– **Transparency and Dialogue**: A formal revenue-sharing framework with annual audits, plus regular summits between players, tours (ATP/WTA), and Slam organizers.
Notably absent: Novak Djokovic, who spearheaded the first letter but skipped this one amid his PTPA (Professional Tennis Players Association) focus. Signatories span genders and generations: ATP names like Alcaraz, Sinner, Jack Draper, Taylor Fritz, and Daniil Medvedev; WTA standouts including Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Jasmine Paolini. Elena Rybakina remains the lone top-10 holdout.
Stars’ Rationale: “It’s About Sustainability”
Alcaraz, fresh off his US Open final win over Sinner (avenging a Wimbledon loss in a 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-3 epic), addressed the issue in April during the Barcelona Open: “We love the game, but things must improve for everyone—not just the top guys. It’s fair to ask for what we generate.” Swiatek echoed this in the same Marca interview, referencing other sports: “In football or basketball, players get half. Tennis needs to catch up to keep talent in the sport.”
Sabalenka, whose 2025 haul includes US Open and Australian Open titles (totaling $10 million+ in Slams alone), has been vocal post-New York: “We’ve broken records, but early exits get peanuts. This is for the next gen.” Sinner, sidelined briefly by a doping controversy earlier this year but now back strong (reaching Tokyo quarters), added in a July Beijing presser: “It’s not greed—it’s investment in our health and future.”
The trio’s involvement underscores a youth-led shift; all under 25, they’re bridging ATP/WTA divides in a way Djokovic’s PTPA couldn’t fully achieve.
Backdrop: A Year of Momentum and Frustration
– **First Letter (March 2025)**: Over 30 signatures prompted Slam meetings, leading to the US Open’s $3.6 million winner’s check (a 38% hike). But critics like Pegula called it “incremental,” not transformative.
– **2025 Prize Surge**: Total Grand Slam payouts hit $200 million, with equal pay at all four events for the first time. Yet, first-round losers still earn ~$100,000—barely covering travel for many.
– **Broader Context**: Amid tour mergers talks (ATP/WTA/Saudi PIF), players fear dilution without leverage. X buzz exploded post-leak, with @DExpress_Sport’s post (“Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka write letter demanding more money”) garnering 600+ views in hours, fans split between “About time!” and “Spoiled stars?”
Grand Slam reps haven’t responded publicly, but insiders hint at a unified reply by October’s Shanghai Masters. For Alcaraz (prepping for Tokyo vs. Sebastian Baez today), Sinner (recovering in Italy), and Sabalenka (Greek vacay glow still fresh), this isn’t a one-off—it’s a manifesto for tennis’s financial evolution. As Alcaraz put it: “We play for love, but we deserve to thrive.” If history’s any guide, their pens might prove sharper than their serves.
