Players move push for pay and reforms into new Grand Slam council

NEW YORK: Top tennis players said on Monday they would cease to publicly campaign for greater influence and financial benefits from the four Grand Slams, choosing instead to ​pursue their objectives through a new Player Advisory Council.

Players launched their campaign in March ‌2025 for a greater voice in Grand Slam decision-making, more player welfare funding and a larger share of tournament revenues, including a proposal for them to receive 22% of tournament revenues as prize money.

The campaign gained momentum ​this year as players cut short pre-tournament media duties at the French Open and Wimbledon ​in protest, while the Grand Slams have all increased prize money amid ⁠growing pressure from the group.

The players said the agreement on a council and the progress toward ​their key objectives marked a “significant step” forward.

“The players will now work directly with the Grand Slams ​to establish the council, through which players themselves will be directly consulted and able to negotiate on an ongoing basis,” the group said in a statement.

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The group acknowledged that the Grand Slams had yet to meet players’ target ​of receiving 22% of tournament revenues by 2030, but said prize money had risen significantly ​since the campaign began last year.

Prize pots have risen across the majors, with this year’s purses reaching $79.92 million at ‌the ⁠Australian Open, $71.56 million at the French Open, $86.79 million at Wimbledon and a record $108 million at the U.S. Open.

The group estimated that more than $30 million of recent prize-money increases across the majors exceeded historical growth trends and welcomed a French Open proposal to link payouts to tournament profits.

Players said they ​would let the formally ​established council pursue their ⁠outstanding objectives through engagement with the four Grand Slams.

They also welcomed the U.S. Open becoming the first Grand Slam to commit $2 million toward player ​welfare, saying they hoped the contribution would increase over time and prompt ​similar proposals ⁠from the other three majors.

“This stands as a testament to the gains made possible by concerted, unified player action in an individual sport, and by constructive dialogue with the Grand Slams and tournament organisers,” ⁠the ​statement added.

“The players look to the Council to build on ​this progress and continue pursuing the aims not yet fully achieved.

“Players reserve the right to restart the campaign should the ​council fail to deliver on these aims.”