Emma Navarro has opened up on the reasons behind the top 20 players in the men’s and women’s category demanding more prize money from the four major Grand Slams.
The players requested a meeting to discuss players receiving a greater share of the revenue generated by the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.
The players wanted a larger share of the money from the tournaments with Emma Navarro citing an unfair pay ratio as the reason for putting her name to the letter.
She said: “I talked a little bit to the other players about it and felt like it was a good idea to sign.
“I think there have been some sort of unfair pay ratios – I don’t know the correct terminology – but in the past. I think it’s a good cause to come together as players and make sure we’re getting treated fairly.”
Prize money for the Wimbledon Open increased in 2024 to £50m which saw an increase of 50 % from what was on offer 10 years before.
The prize money for first-round losers increased from £27,000 to £60,000.
In 2024, a record $254 million in player compensation was awarded at the Grand Slams, up $23 million from 2023.
According to reports, The All England Club (AELTC), organisers of the Wimbledon Open, had a turnover of £380m. But once the costs of running the Championships were deducted, the operating profit was just under £54m.
Nearly £49m of that went to the LTA, as the AELTC has agreed to pay the governing body 90% of its annual surplus until 2053.
Costs include prize money, employing more than 8,000 seasonal staff, preparing and developing the site and supporting other grass court events.
Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen said the increment will benefit lower-ranked players.
She said: “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.”
“We try to do what we can, and then let’s see what the gods bring to us. But at least we’re trying.”
Similarly, Former world number two Casper Ruud said tennis players were not receiving a fair share of the millions generated by the Grand Slams.
He said: “As a player, I don’t feel like it’s fair. If you compare with other major sports around the world, NFL, MLB, NBA, they are closer to 50 percent revenue sharing.
“In a fair world,” the revenue distribution between the four Grand Slams and the players should be “50-50.
“I don’t think we’ll ever get there. But if we can get closer, I think every percentage helps.
“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.
“You look at the USTA or the US Open, they make over $500 million and they pay $65 to $70 million.”
In March, a players’ union co-founded by Novak Djokovic, the PTPA, accused tennis’ governing bodies of financially exploiting players.
