Casper Ruud Calls for Fairer Revenue Distribution in Tennis

Casper Ruud has joined the debate on revenue distribution in tennis, suggesting a 50-50 split between Grand Slams and players, and criticizing the current system as unfair.

Casper Ruud, the former world number two, expressed his concerns about the fairness of the revenue distribution in tennis, specifically regarding the Grand Slams. Ruud estimated that players' prize money “represents on average 15 percent of the revenue” generated by the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open.

Ruud, who was speaking on the sidelines of an Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) event in Nimes, France, emphasized his dissatisfaction with the current system, saying, “As a player, I don't feel like it's fair.” He compared the revenue sharing model in tennis to other major sports, stating, “If you compare with other major sports around the world, NFL, MLB, NBA, they are closer to 50 percent revenue sharing.”

Ruud's comments come amid reports that several top 20 players, including himself, sent a letter to Grand Slam organizers requesting a more favorable revenue distribution. When asked if he had signed the letter, Ruud replied, “I don't think I can talk too much about the details, but it's definitely a possibility that this happened.”

A source within the French Tennis Federation (FFT) confirmed that they had received such a letter and proposed a meeting to discuss the matter. The source stated, “We responded by proposing a direct, open, and constructive meeting, starting at the Madrid Open (April 22nd-May 4th), at Roland Garros (May 25th-June 8th), or at any other convenient time.”

Ruud highlighted the need for greater transparency regarding the revenue sharing of the Grand Slams, saying, “The biggest thing that I don't think people know enough is the revenue sharing of the Grand Slams and where they make their money or how they distribute their revenue.”

Tennis Players Seek Fairer Revenue Distribution

Last month, the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), co-founded by Novak Djokovic, accused tennis' governing bodies of “financially exploiting” players. This accusation has sparked a debate about the fairness of revenue distribution in the sport.

Casper Ruud, a former world number two, has weighed in on the issue, suggesting that a more equitable distribution of revenue between the four Grand Slams and the players is needed. Ruud believes that “in a fair world,” the revenue split should be "50-50." However, he acknowledges that achieving this may be unrealistic, saying, “I don't think we'll ever get there. But if we can get closer, I think every percentage helps.”

Casper Ruud about the prize money of Grand Slams

🗣 "I think people don't know much about the distribution of profits in Grand Slam tournaments. The profits we players receive represent 15% of Grand Slam generates. I don't think that's fair"#ATP pic.twitter.com/iobO8Tv4IH

— Alejandro López Fernández (@alejandrolf2410) April 3, 2025

Ruud, who considers himself “extremely privileged” financially, having won more than $23 million (£17.5m) since turning pro a decade ago, recognizes the significance of increased revenue for lower-ranked players. He emphasizes that even a modest increase in earnings can make a substantial difference for those who lose in the early rounds, saying, “And even for the guys who lose earlier, qualifiers, first round, second round, you name it, those who maybe don't necessarily end up with millions of money after a year, a few extra hundred thousand will go a long way.”

Ruud criticizes the current revenue distribution model, citing the significant revenue generated by Grand Slam tournaments. He points out that the USTA or the US Open makes over $500 million, but only pays $65 to $70 million to the players. Ruud argues that this disparity is unfair, saying, “But personally I don't think it's fair that someone pays 15 percent when I think the players are as equally important as the tournament.”

Ruud also expresses frustration with the decision-making process in Grand Slam tournaments, which often occurs without consulting the players. He notes that the Slams have decided to start tournaments a day earlier, with the exception of Wimbledon, which always starts on a Monday. Ruud says, “Most of them, they make these types of decisions without even talking with the players, asking for their opinions.” He believes that it is time for players to speak out and request a meeting to discuss these issues, saying, “So there are certain things that Slams have done in the last years where we feel like it's time to react and ask for a meeting and then to discuss different topics.”