Novak Djokovic has called for a significant increase in prize money at the four Grand Slam tournaments, insisting that lower-ranked players deserve a greater share of the growing revenues generated by the sport’s biggest events.
Speaking ahead of his US Open campaign, the 24-time Grand Slam champion said there is “room for improvement” despite recent changes, including a 20% prize money increase announced by the United States Tennis Association earlier this month. The adjustment, which brings the total US Open purse to $90 million (£67.4m), has been described as “the largest in tennis history”.
“Look, it’s a step in the right direction,” Djokovic, 38, told reporters on Friday when asked if the increase reflected players’ expectations. “Obviously, it’s always nice and positive to see that Grand Slams are willing to improve the prize money overall across the board for the players. Whether it’s an ideal situation for us, I think overall I don’t think so. I think there is still a lot more room for improvement in that sense.”
Djokovic clarified that his demands are not for personal gain but for the benefit of players outside the top ranks, many of whom struggle financially despite competing at the highest level.
“I see that in the past when I talk about this topic, people like to say, ‘Well, look at him, wanting more money for himself’. It’s not about that,” the Serbian star explained. “I’m just talking about overall. Not many tennis players live out of this sport globally. That’s not something that I see has been talked about enough.”
He also highlighted the commercial success of the Grand Slams, stating that increasing prize money should match the tournaments’ rising revenues and global influence.
“It’s also important to understand that we live in a very commercial world. Entertainment and sports business are very big. And for Grand Slams, they are doing very well as well. So the US Open increased the prize money. Other slams are doing it too. But they also have a bigger revenue than the previous year. Then there is the inflation part, which is a completely different topic, but important to take in consideration when you talk about these things. Overall it’s definitely a positive step.”
Djokovic’s comments come amid ongoing tensions between players and tennis governing bodies. Earlier this year, the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA), which Djokovic co-founded, launched legal action against the ATP, WTA, International Tennis Federation (ITF) and International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), accusing them of “anti-competitive practices and a blatant disregard for player welfare”.
The lawsuit seeks to end what the PTPA describes as “monopolistic control” over the sport while also requesting financial compensation. Djokovic noted that while he agrees with parts of the legal challenge, he does not fully endorse every aspect of the case.
Djokovic is set to begin his US Open campaign on Sunday when he faces American teenager Learner Tien at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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