The prize money standoff between top players and the Grand Slams is heating up ahead of the US Open, with tennis analyst Jon Wertheim suggesting on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast that mixed doubles participation could become a target for player protest.
The dispute dates back to March 2025, when leading names including Jannik Sinner, Coco Gauff, and Aryna Sabalenka sent a formal letter to all four Slams demanding a revenue-sharing model starting at 16% and rising to 22% by 2030. Players also called for stronger investment in welfare programs and the formation of a dedicated Grand Slam player committee.
At Roland Garros, players made their frustration visible by capping media appearances at 15 minutes, even as the tournament rolled out a total prize pool of 61.7 million euros, a jump of nearly 9.5% from the previous year. Wimbledon raised its purse to 64.2 million pounds but reportedly fell short of the 71 million pounds players sought. There, players chose not to restrict media duties, citing constructive dialogue with tournament officials.
Sabalenka, one of the most outspoken figures in the dispute, stated in May that a full boycott of the Slams may ultimately be necessary. "I feel like that's going to be the only way to fight for our rights," she said.
Wertheim noted the USTA is unlikely to budge quickly on revenue sharing, but also suggested a mixed doubles withdrawal would not cripple the event, since willing alternates are reportedly on standby. Still, losing the sport's biggest names from any event carries obvious reputational weight.
TennisDraw users tracking this situation will want to keep a close eye on the US Open draw as the political climate around player participation continues to shift.
