Coco Gauff Calls for More Grand Slam Revenue to Support Players’ Futures

Two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff has stressed the need for more money to be distributed from the sport’s four major tournaments, arguing that increased revenue-sharing would safeguard the long-term health of tennis.

Gauff, currently ranked world number three, is part of a group of elite players pushing for a greater share of income, stronger welfare benefits, and a bigger voice in how the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open are run.

In March, 20 players signed a letter to the Grand Slam heads demanding a rise in prize money and more direct consultation. A second letter, sent in the summer, underlined calls for the Slams to contribute to a player welfare fund, covering areas such as retirement security and maternity support.

Speaking in Beijing after reaching the semi-finals of the China Open, Gauff said:

For the long run of our sport and kind of the whole ecosystem I think that it’s really important.

While discussions are ongoing, Gauff admitted uncertainty about the timeline:

“They have been working with us behind the scenes on finding a solution, but I don’t know when it’s gonna happen.”

Revenue and Welfare Gap

Players argue that despite generating far more money, the Grand Slams contribute less to player benefits compared with ATP and WTA tours. The tours reportedly provide tens of millions of dollars annually towards welfare, while the majors contribute nothing.

Gauff clarified the group’s position:

“We’re not talking about just raising the prize money for the champion, but also trickling all the way down.”

She added: “We kind of want them to invest more in the Tour as a whole, not only when it comes to prize money, but the wellbeing of players. Our 200th best player, our 300th best player is struggling to make ends meet.”

For Gauff, the issue extends beyond her own career:

“I don’t know if it will happen in my career lifetime where it reaches that, but I want to leave this sport better than I found it.”

Key Takeaways:

Coco Gauff leads calls for Grand Slams to share more revenue with players.
20 players signed letters pushing for higher prize money and welfare funds.
Lower-ranked players highlighted as struggling financially.
ATP and WTA invest tens of millions annually, while Slams contribute nothing.
Gauff says reforms are essential for the sport’s long-term ecosystem.

As the debate continues, pressure is mounting on the Grand Slams to step up and support not just the champions but the wider playing field that sustains professional tennis.