Top players from both the ATP and WTA tours are pushing for changes to Grand Slam events.
In the summer, Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz, among others, sent a formal letter to all four major tournaments, asking for a fairer share of revenue and more benefits for players.
Following Alcaraz’s first-round win at the Japan Open, the Spaniard called the situation ‘a mess’ between ATP and the Grand Slams.
Gauff has now given her verdict on the push for change after sealing a straight-sets victory in her opening match at the China Open.
Coco Gauff speaks on push for reform of Grand Slam events
The American said in her post-match press conference: “I mean, overall it’s been a long, long process with that.
“We have a player representative. I like to keep most of the comments for him because they did have a meeting this week. I was not a part of it because I had practice at the same time.
“I did get a text message of a recap. I wouldn’t say I fully know all the details of what transpired as of last week. Overall, I know this started at Indian Wells this year when we all signed the letter, the top 10.
“I think the goal is just obviously increasing the percentage of prize money, but also making it better, not just for us but throughout the field.
“The top 10 signed a letter as a representation of the entire tour, within the top 200 or top 300, I would say.
“Unfortunately, it’s like that: the top players, you can put more pressure, your voices are heard a little bit more. We try to take advantage of that and use it. I think the biggest message is not just to benefit us, it’s to benefit all the players.”
Total prize money pool at each Grand Slam event in 2025
Each Grand Slam event announced increases in their prize money pools this year, with the Australian Open first to do so in January.
A total of $63.1 million (US dollars) was up for grabs in Melbourne this year, a near 12% increase on 2024.
Roland Garros saw a 5% bump with a tally of $65.9 million, while Wimbledon’s pool totalled $71.5 million; up 7% on the year prior.
Finally, the US Open recorded the biggest increase in total prize money with $90 million, which was a 20% increase on the $75 million the event handed out in 2024.
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