players

NEW YORK (AP) – Top tennis players are renewing their ‌push for a greater share of revenue⁣ and‍ increased influence within the sport, adding the Grand ⁢Slam tournament ‌organizers to an existing antitrust lawsuit and⁣ continuing direct appeals to tournament hosts. The escalating effort comes as players point to rising tournament profits -‍ the U.S. Open purse grew 57% over the past five years, reaching $90 million this year – and‌ seek a more​ equitable distribution of those⁢ gains.

A letter from U.S. open champions Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos alcaraz, along with representatives from the WTA and‍ ATP Tours, to the four Slam hosts emphasized the benefits of player collaboration in ​driving revenue. “Players – as evidenced by the 57% growth⁣ of ‌the U.S. Open⁢ purse over the past five years – notably when ‌additional collaboration on the part of the players helps to create ‌additional revenue,” the ​letter​ stated. “Such as, this year’s significant⁢ increase in compensation to $90 million reflects the addition of an⁤ extra day to the main draw singles competition and the resulting contribution made by players.” Sabalenka and alcaraz each received a record $5 million at this month’s U.S.⁣ Open.

The push for change follows⁢ a March⁢ letter from players to the⁣ four Slam hosts and the filing⁤ of an​ antitrust lawsuit by the Professional Tennis Players’ ‌association (PTPA), co-founded by Novak ‍Djokovic, against the women’s and men’s professional tours. Djokovic was not listed as a plaintiff⁣ in ⁢the suit. The PTPA announced⁤ this week that the Grand​ Slam tournament organizers have been added ⁤as​ defendants.

The antitrust filing​ alleges ⁤that too ⁣little revenue reaches the players and outlines broader concerns about the sport’s governance. The WTA ​and ATP ⁢tours‌ jointly filed a motion to dismiss⁤ the case in May. ⁢

The PTPA stated that⁤ adding the Grand slam organizers ⁤to the lawsuit is “a necessary next step to guarantee accountability ‍from all parties, and accelerate long-overdue ⁢reform across the entire tennis ecosystem.”

The ⁣players’ letter also reiterated a commitment “to engaging in direct, honest and obvious discussions with the players​ to‌ build⁣ a stronger future for the‌ entire tennis ecosystem ‍- including a healthier ⁢calendar, ⁤enhanced player consultation, and greater financial value for ​all‌ involved.”