Aryna Sabalenka has called for an urgent meeting with the Grand Slams after leading players in men’s and women’s tennis wrote to the four Majors to demand better player welfare and a larger share of the revenue generated by tournaments. The letter, which was written in March, was signed by 20 top tennis players, including Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Coco Gauff.
In the letter, players also asked to be consulted on any changes tournament chiefs were considering if those changes would have a direct impact on them. And the stars also wanted events to contribute towards welfare programmes such as pensions.
According to AFP, a first meeting between players and the Grand Slams took place at the French Open in May, with Sabalenka, Sinner, Casper Ruud, Gauff, Alex de Minaur and Madison Keys in attendance.
More discussions were held at Wimbledon a few weeks later, with former WTA chief Larry Scott advising the players.
But communication then reportedly stalled over the summer as the Majors told players they would need to resolve other matters first.
And discussing the situation during the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, Sabalenka told the aforementioned news outlet: “I think it’s the time right now to sit at a table and come to a conclusion that everyone will be happy with.”
Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek explained: “For sure it would be great if the Grand Slams wanted to talk to us, because that’s how it’s supposed to be and I don’t really get why there’s no more open conversation.
“It’s not only about prize money, but also about the pension, the health plan and just having more smooth cooperation and communication in the future. So I think for sure it’s a setback and for sure the players are not happy with it.”
And Jessica Pegula, who is a member of the WTA Player Council, added: “We’re just trying to be a united voice.
“I think it’s the first time we’ve actually been able to come together with both Tours. And so that’s a testament to just everybody being really open-minded and wanting to come together on making our sport better and better for the players.”
A spokesperson for the All England Club responded by explaining that the organisation is “always open to having constructive discussions to achieve the best possible outcome.”
They remarked that “regular dialogue” has taken place with players and their representatives, and insisted that “conversations will continue.”
