Tennis Stars Demand Higher Prize Money from Grand Slams

The world's top tennis players, including Qinwen Zheng and Emma Navarro, have signed a letter demanding higher prize money from the four Grand Slams.

American tennis player Emma Navarro has spoken out about a letter signed by the world's top tennis players, calling for significant improvements in prize money at the four Grand Slams. The letter, which was sent to the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open, demands a more equitable distribution of revenues. Navarro, who is currently ranked 11th in the world, expressed her support for the initiative, stating, “I talked a little bit to the other players about it and felt like it was a good idea to sign.”

Navarro believes that the current prize money structure can lead to unfair pay ratios, with top players benefiting disproportionately. “I think there have been some sort of unfair pay ratios - I don't know the correct terminology - but in the past,” she said. Navarro emphasized the importance of players coming together to advocate for fair treatment, adding, “I think it's a good cause to come together as players and make sure we're getting treated fairly.”

The issue of prize money distribution is particularly relevant for lower-ranked players, who often struggle to make ends meet due to a lack of steady sponsorship and expensive coaching, travel, and accommodation costs. By advocating for increased prize money, top players like Navarro hope to create a more equitable and sustainable environment for all players.

Emma Navarro believes that top players deserve more prize money 👏#EmmaNavarro #PrizeMoney #Tennis pic.twitter.com/x3s646fd0K

— Sportskeeda Tennis (@SK__Tennis) April 3, 2025

A record $254 million in player compensation was awarded at the Grand Slams in 2024, marking a $23 million increase from 2023. This trend is expected to continue, with the Australian Open boosting its prize money by 11.56% from last year. Champions at Melbourne Park this year took home nearly $2.2 million, while first-round players earned around $83,000.

World number eight Qinwen Zheng believes that increased prize money from the Grand Slams will benefit players beyond just the top ranks. “I think that's going to benefit all the players, not only the top players, especially those that work hard during the year and need to get paid from the Grand Slams and have to survive,” she said. Zheng suggests that tennis should follow the NBA's example, where players earn around 50% of basketball-related income.

For years, the tours have touted increases in prize money, celebrating slow and minimal growth while ignoring realities like inflation and players’ out-of-pocket costs.

Bare minimum improvements are not enough. More professional tennis players must be able to earn a living from… pic.twitter.com/gK0zTbVRbp

— Professional Tennis Players Association (@ptpaplayers) April 3, 2025

Zheng emphasized the hard work and dedication required to succeed in tennis. “That's really positive, because if you look at basketball, they all get paid 50-50. The players, we're working really hard. Because I'm a tennis player, I know how much I've worked to arrive here,” she added. Despite her hopes for change, Zheng is uncertain whether the Grand Slams will respond to the players' demands. “We try to do what we can, and then let's see what the gods bring to us. But at least we're trying.”