The USTA’s response, dated August 18 and obtained this week by the AP, was signed by Brian Vahaly, the group’s interim co-chief executive, and Stacey Allaster, the USTA’s chief executive of professional tennis, who just completed her last US Open as tournament director.

“As you are aware, we have always been willing to increase compensation for players – as evidenced by the 57 per cent growth of the US Open purse over the past five years – particularly when additional collaboration on the part of the players helps to create additional revenue,” Vahaly and Allaster wrote.

“For example, this year’s significant increase in compensation to $US90 million [$136.6 million] reflects the addition of an extra day to the main draw singles competition and the resulting contribution made by players.”

US Open singles champions Sabalenka and Alcaraz each received a record $7.5 million this month for their victories.

Vahaly and Allaster also wrote that they wanted “to reiterate our commitment to engaging in direct, honest and transparent 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.”

Loading

The March letter from players to the four slam hosts came not long after the players’ association co-founded by Novak Djokovic – the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) – filed an antitrust lawsuit against the women’s and men’s professional tours in federal court in New York. Djokovic was not listed as one of the plaintiffs.

That antitrust filing seeks more money for players, saying too little of the revenues end up in the athletes’ hands, and lays out a series of other complaints about the way the sport is run. In May, the WTA and ATP tours jointly filed a motion to dismiss the case against them.

The original case did not list the four grand slam tournament organisers as defendants, but they have been added, the PTPA announced this week.

“This is a necessary next step to guarantee accountability from all parties,” the PTPA said, “and accelerate long-overdue reform across the entire tennis ecosystem.”

Tennis Australia was contacted for comment.