The post Grand Slam of income fairness continues to spread with Sinner, Pegula and Medvedev entering
The account “Football” posted a video on several social networks explaining the current dispute between the players that the Grand Slams “do not share the wealth” as the prize money fails to keep up with the increase in income and ticket sales. It went viral on Wednesday with top WTA and ATP players – including Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, and Jessie Pegula retweeting it on Instagram and X.
The complaint is as follows:
1. Tour level events such as the Masters 1000 tournaments (such as Indian Wells and Miami) provide about a 22% share of the money with the players. They also intervene to get “player benefits” (maternity leave, mental health services, etc.)
2. Four major degrees do not. They don’t give 22% rev share (more like 13 or 14%). And they don’t interfere with maternity leave. Because they are managed by the ITF and it is not necessary.
3. The players want them. They want them to pay their fair share of the prize money and share in the player’s benefits.
Think about that for a moment. More and more people flock to the US Open every year – to the point that finding seats on the outdoor courts has become like tennis’ version of the Hunger Games. But those extra sales didn’t result in a commensurate increase in prize money. And the players fought.
On the other hand, the Slams position is understandable. The US Open, for example, is a non-profit event. The USTA uses the proceeds to develop junior tennis programs and grow the game in the United States. The Australian Open is also officially not for profit. Wimbledon is different in that it is club tennis and the proceeds go back to the LTA (All-England Lawn Tennis Association), but they still give back to charity and support British tennis programs.
So it’s not like any tennis organizations putting cash in their pockets. But as it has been said, I am on the side of the players in this country. They are talents; they are the reason people come. The tennis season is a 10-month slog with an off-season that is the longest commercial interruption on YouTube.
No, I’m not smart enough pity professional athletes. That would be an uncontrollable position to take…but I don’t take their pressure lightly either.
Mental health concerns from constant travel, living away from their families and the pressure of competing week in week out are no joke. Player welfare is not a joke. And sure – you can argue that Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner aren’t hurting for money. But the extra prize money isn’t just for the winning men and women. It helps those who make a living outside the top 50.
This game is nothing without its talent. I don’t blame them for being independent. Their request is absurd.- and even as I write that, I can agree that if it is done, the ticket buyers will be the ones to participate. This is the way.
