In a surprising twist, Elena Rybakina has sparked controversy by becoming the only top-ranked player to not sign a landmark letter demanding changes to prize money distribution across Grand Slam tournaments.
The letter—backed by the top 20 ATP and WTA players—calls for a fairer split of tournament revenues, increased investment in player welfare, and stronger player representation in key decisions. Major names such as Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Iga Swiatek endorsed the initiative.
However, Rybakina, currently ranked in the top five, was noticeably absent from the list of signatories.
Why Didn’t She Sign?
A copy of the letter obtained by the Associated Press confirmed her omission, though the reasons remain unclear. Some insiders suggest a recent agent switch may have caused a communication lapse, while others speculate on deeper disagreements with the proposal’s direction.
The letter was formally addressed to executives at Wimbledon, the US Open, Roland Garros, and the Australian Open, urging them to re-evaluate how prize money is distributed and to prioritize transparency, equity, and player input.
Reaction Within the Tennis Community
Rybakina’s stance has raised eyebrows, especially at a time when professional tennis is facing growing scrutiny over financial disparities and the limited say players have in decisions affecting their careers.
As the story unfolds, fans and fellow players await an explanation from the Kazakhstani star—and the implications of her decision are already sparking broader conversations about unity, representation, and fairness in the sport
