According to The Guardian, the French Open has become the first Grand Slam tournament to propose a revenue-sharing model for players, in a significant effort to address longstanding dispute over prize money.
Although negotiations are still ongoing, Roland Garros officials presented the proposal to players’ representative Larry Scott during discussions held at Wimbledon two weeks ago. If finalized, the agreement would distinguish the French Open from the other three Grand Slam events by introducing a formal revenue-sharing system to determine prize money.
Players have been pushing for a long-term arrangement that guarantees a fixed percentage of tournament income. Their proposal calls for 16% of Grand Slam revenues to be distributed as prize money immediately, with that figure gradually increasing to 22% by 2030. While tournament organizers have raised prize funds considerably in recent years, players argue that annual discretionary increases do not provide the transparency or certainty offered by a revenue-based formula.
The French Open’s proposal extends beyond prize money. Tournament organizers have also indicated they are willing to contribute toward player pension schemes, improve healthcare support, and involve players more directly in governance and decision-making.
This cooperative approach contrasts sharply with the stance taken by the All England Club. Last month, chair Debbie Jevans dismissed the idea of calculating prize money as a share of tournament revenue, saying such a system “made no sense.” Her comments prompted players to consider refusing media interviews during the opening week of Wimbledon, although the planned protest was ultimately withdrawn.
Attention is now shifting to the US Open, which is expected to reveal this year’s prize money at the beginning of next month. The tournament faces growing pressure because discussions with players have been ongoing for longer, and a new chief executive, Craig Tiley, has taken charge of the US Tennis Association.
Several leading players, among them world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, have warned they may skip the mixed doubles competition held before the singles tournament at Flushing Meadows unless meaningful progress is achieved in negotiations over player compensation.
The US Open awarded a record $90 million in prize money last year, representing a 20% increase from the previous year’s $75 million. If organizers approve another comparable rise this season, the total prize fund would surpass $100 million for the first time in the tournament’s history.
