Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff among players who signed the letter sent to Grand Slams

​In a landmark move signaling a potential shift in tennis governance, twenty leading players, including Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Coco Gauff, have collectively signed a letter addressed to the heads of the four Grand Slam tournaments. The correspondence, dated March 21, 2025, articulates the players’ unified stance on several pressing issues affecting the sport.

The signatories encompass ten of the top eleven women and the entire top ten men as of early March. Notably, the women’s contingent includes World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, along with Swiatek, Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, Jasmine Paolini, Emma Navarro, Zheng Qinwen, Paula Badosa, and Mirra Andreeva. On the men’s side, the list features World No. 1 Sinner, 24-time major champion Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, Daniil Medvedev, And … , and Alex de Minaur.

The letter outlines three primary objectives:

1. Financial Contributions to Player Welfare: The players advocate for Grand Slam tournaments to allocate funds towards player welfare programs, aiming to enhance the support systems available to athletes. ​

2. Increased Prize Money: They call for a revision of prize money structures to ensure a more equitable distribution that reflects the players’ contributions to the tournaments’ success.

3. Enhanced Player Representation: The group seeks a more substantial role in decision-making processes that directly impact competition dynamics, player health, and overall welfare.

This initiative follows a recent antitrust lawsuit filed by the players’ association co-founded … , which challenges the existing distribution of revenues within the sport. The lawsuit highlights disparities such as the U.S. Open’s $12.8 million earnings from a specialty cocktail, surpassing the combined prize money for both men’s and women’s champions.

The timing of the letter is strategic, with the Madrid Open on the horizon. The players have requested an in-person meeting during this event with representatives from the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open to discuss their proposals. ​

The response from Grand Slam organizers has been measured. Brendan McIntyre, a spokesperson for the U.S. Tennis Association, acknowledged the USTA’s historical commitment to player compensation, noting the record $75 million purse offered at the 2024 U … . He expressed openness to ongoing dialogue with players to further enhance the tournament experience. ​

Beyond financial considerations, the letter underscores a desire for greater transparency and consistency in governance. Recent incidents, such as Jannik Sinner’s three-month doping ban for inadvertently using a banned substance, have fueled discussions about the fairness and transparency of anti-doping protocols. Sinner’s ban, which allows him to participate in major tournaments, was met with mixed reactions, highlighting perceived inconsistencies in handling doping cases.

Novak Djokovic has been vocal about the need for reforms, expressing concerns over the perceived favoritism towards high-profile players and advocating for a more equitable and transparent system. He cited cases like Simona Halep’s and Tara Moore’s lengthy suspensions and subsequent reductions as evidence of the system’s flaws.

The collective action by these prominent players signifies a pivotal moment in tennis, reflecting a unified push for systemic changes that address both financial and governance-related concerns. As the sport approaches key tournaments, all eyes will be on the responses from Grand Slam organizers and the potential for a more player-centric approach to tennis administration.