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US Open Announces Record $108 Million Prize Purse
๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Saudi Arabia /Sports

US Open Announces Record $108 Million Prize Purse

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The four Grand Slam tennis tournaments have announced the creation of a Grand Slam Player Advisory Council to address player concerns, including prize money.
  • The council will provide a platform for players to discuss sporting matters, player welfare, and compensation with each Grand Slam.
  • This initiative follows player demands for a greater voice and a larger share of revenue from the major tournaments.

Tennis's four major tournaments, the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open, have established a new Grand Slam Player Advisory Council. This council aims to provide a unified platform for players to address a range of issues, including prize money, player welfare, and overall sporting matters affecting the Grand Slams.

Having a seat at the table with the Grand Slams is something we have wanted for some time, so Iโ€™m really pleased to see this council come together.

โ€” Ben SheltonExpressing satisfaction with the creation of the Grand Slam Player Advisory Council.

The council's formation comes after increasing player advocacy for a more significant voice in the sport's governance and a greater share of the revenue generated by the blue-riband events. World number six Ben Shelton expressed his satisfaction, stating, "Having a seat at the table with the Grand Slams is something we have wanted for some time, so Iโ€™m really pleased to see this council come together." He added that it offers players a real opportunity to contribute to shaping the tournaments beyond their on-court performances.

It gives us, as players, a real opportunity to have a voice, contribute to the conversation and help shape the tournaments beyond what happens on the court.

โ€” Ben SheltonHighlighting the council's role in empowering players.

This development follows past player actions, such as the threat of a boycott at the French Open earlier this year if prize money was not increased, a sentiment echoed by players like Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff. The advisory council is intended to strengthen the partnership between the Grand Slams and the players, ensuring player input is considered in decisions affecting the tournaments.

We have listened to the playersโ€™ desire for a greater voice and this advisory council is an important step towards a stronger relationship between the Grand Slams and the players.

โ€” Deborah JevansCommenting on the significance of the council in improving player-Grand Slam relations.

Deborah Jevans, chair of the All England Club, acknowledged the players' desire for a greater voice, calling the council "an important step towards a stronger relationship." The council will facilitate discussions on collective sporting matters and also allow for individual discussions regarding the distinct structures, economics, and governance of each Grand Slam tournament. The goal is to elevate the player experience and ensure the continued thriving of the sport.

We look forward to working together to elevate the player experience, further enhance the Grand Slam tournaments and ensure the sport continues to thrive.

โ€” Deborah JevansStating the future outlook and goals for the council's collaboration.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.