Coco Gauff and Jannik Sinner make 3 demands in French Open showdown talks
Coco Gauff and Jannik Sinner are among the players who have reportedly been involved in showdown talks with Grand Slam chiefs at the French Open
Tennis stars Coco Gauff and Jannik Sinner were reportedly among the players present for crucial discussions with Grand Slam leaders at the French Open. Top-10 stars on both the ATP and WTA Tours have put forth a series of demands, including an increase in prize money.
In March, players such as Sinner, Gauff, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Aryna Sabalenka signed a letter addressed to the four Grand Slams. The letter called for a face-to-face meeting with tournament directors to discuss prize money, player welfare, and giving players a stronger voice in key decisions. These talks were initially set for the Madrid Open but did not take place.
As per The National, stars had the opportunity to express their views in an hour-long meeting at Roland Garros. Alcaraz and Gauff are reported to have been among the players in attendance.
- Dave Portnoy highlights huge Fever difference after Caitlin Clark 'didn't play great'
- Kyle Larson's anxiety clear as NASCAR star in danger of more 'double' agony
ATP and WTA players are pushing for a larger share of tournament revenue. They also want the Grand Slams to contribute to the player welfare programs funded by both tours, and to give them a more significant say when key decisions are made.
Prize money has been a particularly important issue in recent years. While all the Grand Slams have increased the amounts offered to players, some stars still believe it is not a large enough percentage of the revenue generated by the tournaments.
The French Open has raised the total prize pot this year to $64 million, a 5.21 per cent increase from previous years.
Gauff shared her thoughts on tennis revenue last month, highlighting the stark difference in how income is shared compared to other sports: "As you know, tennis and the percentage shared in revenue isn't nearly as close as other sports.
"So, I definitely think that's something in our sport that we can do. It won't only benefit top players, it will also benefit lower-ranked players as well.
"In other sports, you look at the 100th best player in maybe basketball or football or soccer or anything, and the percentage that they give versus our 100th or 200th best is not great.
DON'T MISS
"So, I think for us, we kind of understood maybe the privilege and the audience that we can get as top players to kind of make that change.
"So, we just sent that letter, and hopefully to have the conversation get started, and hopefully how that can improve in the future."
