Coco Gauff, the American tennis prodigy and reigning US Open champion, has once again taken a leading role in the fight for fairer compensation in tennis. She is among ten top-ranked players who signed a letter addressed to all four Grand Slam tournaments, calling for greater investment in players’ welfare and a more equitable distribution of prize money.
This is not the group’s first effort. Back in March, they issued an initial letter pressing the majors for reform. After the US Open, they renewed their demands, urging the Grand Slam events to commit more funding to pensions, healthcare, maternity support, and long-term player performance funds.
Players Demand Structural Change
According to a report by The Athletic, the letter also calls for the creation of a Grand Slam Player Council to ensure stronger player representation, alongside a request to align prize money more fairly with the tournaments’ massive revenues.
Speaking at the China Open, Gauff explained why she felt compelled to sign both letters:
“For me, and for the long-term health of the sport, this is really important. The Grand Slams generate the most revenue, but the percentage that goes back to players isn’t comparable to the WTA or ATP, even though they generate less overall.”
Beyond Prize Money: Supporting the Whole Tour
Gauff emphasized that the push is not just about higher payouts for champions. The focus is also on spreading resources to qualifying rounds and supporting lower-ranked players, many of whom struggle to make ends meet despite tennis’s global revenues.
“We want investment in the tour as a whole—not only prize money but player welfare all the way down to the 200th or 300th-ranked player. In other leagues, athletes at that level don’t face these struggles.”
A Long-Term Mission
The Atlanta-born star is realistic about the timeline such reforms might require. She admitted change may not fully arrive during her own career but stressed the importance of starting the process for future generations.
“I want to leave the sport better than I found it. The fact that all the Top 10 players, men and women, have signed on is historic. Hopefully, these conversations will lead to real solutions in the near future.”