World number one Aryna Sabalenka has asked the Grand Slams to “come to the table” as the leading stars ramp up the pressure over their calls for increased prize money and greater player welfare.
Sabalenka is among the top 20 men’s and women’s players who have asked the four majors – Wimbledon, the Australian Open, the French Open and the US Open – for the whole field to receive a larger share of the revenue generated by tournaments.
The group of players also want a promise that meaningful change to the structure of the tournaments and support provided by the Slams – to protect their physical and mental health – will be implemented.
The Grand Slams insist they remain open to constructive dialogue about the sport’s future. They have also strongly defended what they already offer the players in terms of prize money and state-of-the-art facilities.
“The Slams are the top of our sport. I would just ask that they come to the table to have a conversation and see if we can find mutually beneficial solutions,” Sabalenka told BBC Sport.
Sabalenka, who won her fourth major singles title at the US Open last month, joins a growing number of star players who are speaking out publicly as they look to force change.
Fellow Grand Slam champions Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff have been among the big names outlining their concerns.
After holding meetings with the Grand Slams earlier this year, the players fear the discussions have stalled and are frustrated by a belief they are not being listened to.
They have decided to apply pressure by being vocal publicly and are willing to consider further steps of action.
The Grand Slams continue to emphasise their belief that the structural challenges facing the sport – a long season with few breaks and a short off-season – is a greater problem for the players.