Top tennis players have intensified calls for reform of prize money distribution, scheduling, and governance in the sport, with world number one Jannik Sinner saying players “don’t feel respected” in ongoing talks with Grand Slam organisers.
According to BBC Sport on Thursday, speaking in Rome ahead of the Italian Open, Sinner said the dispute is less about money alone and more about how players are treated in negotiations with tournament authorities.
“It’s more about respect. I think we give much more than what we are getting back. It’s not only for the top players, but it’s also for all of us players, from the men’s and women’s side,” he said.
The push for reform is being led by a group of top 10 men’s and women’s players, including Sinner and world number one Aryna Sabalenka, who recently suggested that players could eventually consider a boycott of a Grand Slam if no progress is made.
The core demands include a higher share of tournament revenues from the four majors, the French Open, Wimbledon, US Open, and Australian Open, as well as improved benefit contributions and greater player input on scheduling decisions.
Players argue that current proposals, which they say allocate around 9.5% of revenue to prize money, fall far short of their expectation of roughly 22%.
Sinner expressed frustration that negotiations have made little progress despite months of discussions.
“We wrote a letter, and it’s not nice that after one year we are not even close to a conclusion for what we would like to have,” he said.
He also pointed to other sports as examples where elite athletes receive quicker responses from governing bodies when making collective demands.
“If the top athletes send important letters, I truly believe that within 48 hours, you will have not only a response but also a meeting,” Sinner added.
Meetings have already taken place between player representatives and Grand Slam officials, but disagreements remain over revenue sharing and the creation of a formal player council.
While Sinner acknowledged that some players are open to more drastic measures, he stopped short of committing to any boycott.
“Of course, it’s tough to say. I cannot predict the future in a way,” he said.
He added that players still value the tournaments that define the sport at its highest level.
“We also know, and we respect the tournaments because they make us bigger as athletes. Let’s see in the future,” he said.
For now, discussions continue, with upcoming tournaments such as Wimbledon and the US Open expected to be key pressure points in determining whether the standoff escalates further or moves toward resolution.