Tennis Players Cite Coco Gauff's Stance Amid Potential Grand Slam Boycott Over Prize Money

Top tennis players, led by world number one Aryna Sabalenka, are considering boycotting Grand Slam tournaments due to disputes over prize money distribution. Although overall prize pools have increased, athletes argue that their share of tournament revenue has decreased, leaving many lower-ranked players struggling financially. Coco Gauff supports the potential boycott, highlighting that while top stars earn significant sponsorship income, players ranked between 50 and 200 often live paycheck to paycheck. Coach Patrick Mouratoglou praised Gauff’s transparency, urging players to clearly state that any additional revenue should primarily support lower-ranked competitors who struggle to make a living. The players’ demands focus on three main issues: a fairer distribution of prize money to assist those outside the top tier, improved welfare provisions including pensions and healthcare, and greater consultation rights regarding scheduling and late-night matches. Currently, only Wimbledon enforces a late-night curfew. This collective action aims to address systemic financial inequalities within professional tennis and ensure the sport remains viable for athletes beyond the elite few.