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Reuters

China’s world No 8 Zheng Qinwen has joined a call for more money from the grand slams to filter down to the lower ranks.
“I think that’s going to benefit all the players, not only the top players, especially those that work hard during the year and need to get paid from the grand slams and have to survive,” she said.
Zheng said tennis should follow the example of the NBA, where players earn in aggregate around 50 per cent of basketball-related income.
“That’s really positive, because if you look at basketball, they all get paid 50-50. The players, we’re working really hard – because I’m a tennis player I know how much I’ve worked to arrive here,” the Olympic champion added.
Zheng said she was unsure if the grand slams would listen to the demands of the players.
“We try to do what we can, and then let’s see what the gods brings to us. But at least we’re trying.”

Zheng’s comments came after American Emma Navarro had said she put her name to a letter signed by the world’s top tennis players calling for significant improvements in prize money at the four grand slams as a way to ensure players receive equal treatment.
French outlet L’Equipe reported the top 20 ATP and WTA players had sent the letter to the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open recently demanding a more equitable distribution of revenue.
While those at top of the game are able to benefit from increased prize money, players at the lower levels often struggle because of a lack of steady sponsorship as well as expensive coaching, travel and accommodation.
“I talked a little bit to the other players about it and felt like it was a good idea to sign,” the world No 11 said at the Charleston Open.
“I think there have been some sort of unfair pay ratios – I don’t know the correct terminology – but in the past.
“I think it’s a good cause to come together as players and make sure we’re getting treated fairly.”
The United States Tennis Association, which runs the US Open, confirmed it had received the letter and said it “welcomes open and direct conversations with players”, while noting that it was proud of its history of leadership on player compensation.
“This includes offering equal prize money to men and women for more than 50 years and awarding the largest purse in tennis history at the 2024 US Open,” the USTA said in a statement.
“As the national governing body of tennis in the US, we are also focused on ensuring that we can properly support and fund our mission of growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere.”
In 2024, a record US$254 million in player compensation was awarded at the grand slams, up US$23 million from 2023, and the trend is set to continue with the Australian Open in January boosting its prize money by 11.56 per cent from last year.
At Melbourne Park this year, the champions collected nearly US$2.2 million while players going out in the first round picked up around US$83,000.


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Zheng Qinwen says she is unsure whether the grand slam bodies will listen to the players’ demands. Photo: AFP

Emma Navarro also signed a letter calling for significant improvements in prize money. Photo: AFP

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Tennis

While top players benefit from increased prize money, players at lower levels often struggle because of a lack of sponsorship and high costs


While top players benefit from increased prize money, players at lower levels often struggle because of a lack of sponsorship and high costs.
