A host of top tennis stars have sent a second series of letters to the Grand Slam events pushing for more prize money and reform.<\/p>\n
The Athletic has reported that the letters were sent on July 30, and that they were signed by almost all of the players at the top of the men\u2019s and women\u2019s rankings, including Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka.<\/p>\n
Tennis legend Novak Djokovic<\/a> is the only player that signed the original letter, which was sent on March 21<\/a>, who is not involved in these second letters. Elena Rybakina and Felix Auger-Aliassime are the only other current top 10 players not to sign the latest letters.<\/p>\n The original letter was signed by the top 10 players on the ATP and WTA tours from the week of March 3, with the exception of Rybakina. Mirra Andreeva, ranked 11th at the time, was also included.<\/p>\n L\u2019Equipe revealed that players sent the first letter to the four majors with the purpose of \u201cdemanding a substantial increase in their prize money.\u201d<\/p>\n Jack Draper, Lorenzo Musetti, Ben Shelton, Amanda Anisimova and Frances Tiafoe have signed the latest letters having not been involved in the first one.<\/p>\n The Athletic explains that players have called for reform from the Grand Slams in three main areas in the second letters:<\/p>\n To start contributing to player welfare and a benefit fund to improve pension, health care, and maternity benefits. More Tennis News<\/p>\n WTA Rankings: How Iga Swiatek can chase down world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka at China Open<\/a><\/p>\n ATP Rankings: Carlos Alcaraz reigns over Jannik Sinner, Alexander Bublik career-high, Alejandro Tabilo +40<\/a><\/p>\n The absence of Djokovic\u2019s signature from the second series of letters is notable and surprising given the active role the 24-time major winner has played in pushing for change in the sport.<\/p>\n The Serbian co-founded the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), a players\u2019 union, in 2020.<\/p>\n In March, the PTPA launched legal action against the ATP and WTA Tours, the International Tennis Federation (ITF), and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), accusing the governing bodies of implementing \u201canticompetitive restraints and abusive practices.\u201d<\/p>\n The PTPA added the four Grand Slams to the lawsuit on Tuesday, and it is unclear whether this relates to Djokovic\u2019s decision not to sign the second letters to the majors.<\/p>\n PTPA statement on adding Grand Slams as parties to New York lawsuit. pic.twitter.com\/BVbMHHDrzc<\/a><\/p>\n
\nAn increase in prize money as a proportion of revenue \u2014 up from the current estimate of 16 percent to 22 percent by 2030, in line with joint ATP and WTA Tour events.
\nGreater player consultation and representation, with the formation of a Grand Slam Player Council.<\/p>\n