The four Grand Slam tournaments have established a joint Player Advisory Council, aiming to give tennis players a more formal role in decisions about prize money and other major issues. The move comes after months of tension between players and tournament organisers, particularly over revenue sharing.
Council Structure and Purpose
The council will include representatives from the men's ATP Tour, the women's WTA Tour, and the Grand Slam Board. It is designed to address player concerns about prize money distribution, scheduling, and other competition-related matters.
According to the Grand Slam Board, the council will meet at least twice a year, with its first meeting scheduled for early 2027. The board stated that the council will provide a “structured and ongoing dialogue” between players and the four major tournaments.
Background of the Dispute
The formation of the council follows a public row over prize money at the US Open. Several top players had criticised the tournament for not increasing prize money in line with rising revenues, with some threatening to boycott the event.
The dispute escalated in July when the ATP and WTA issued a joint statement calling for “fair and equitable” compensation for players. The Grand Slam Board responded by proposing the creation of the advisory council as a way to formalise player input.
Reactions and Next Steps
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz welcomed the move, saying: “It is important that players have a seat at the table. We want to be part of the decisions that affect our careers.”
The US Open, which begins next week, will proceed as scheduled. The Grand Slam Board said it hopes the council will help prevent future disputes and ensure that players are fairly compensated for their role in the sport's success.
