“I think it’s a good cause to come together as players and make sure we’re getting treated fairly,” American ace Emma Navarro said when asked why she signed the now-famous letter sent to the Grand Slam organizers urging them to ensure fairer prize money. The letter, supported by the world’s top players, points to a growing call for equality. For context, according to a Sportico report, the 100th highest-paid player in the NFL and NBA pocketed a staggering $17.3 million and $14 million in 2024, while in the case of ATP and WTA, that number stood at $1.2 million. No wonder the chorus of tennis players demanding a more equitable distribution of tournament earnings is growing louder than ever. Now the top-ranked WTA player, Aryna Sabalenka, has joined her colleagues in voicing concerns about the inequities in the current system.
According to multiple reports, professional tennis players in both WTA and ATP receive a strikingly lower share of revenue compared to athletes in other top-tier sports. While NBA players take home nearly 50% of the league’s total revenue, tennis players typically receive just 17.5%, as per the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA). In response to this growing imbalance, a powerful group of top 20 players, including Novak Djoković, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Jannik Sinner, have come together to demand significant changes.
But why the sudden uproar? The timing is concurrent with escalating discord between players and tennis governing bodies, notably exemplified by a lawsuit filed by the PTPA against the ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA, with twelve players as plaintiffs.
The prize pools have risen, with the US Open offering $75 million in prize money last year and Wimbledon offering $65 million. The AO and French Open have followed suit as well, offering $60 million and $58.25 million, respectively in their latest additions. But many argue it’s not enough for the players.
Now, with the issue reaching a boiling point, Sabalenka has spoken out, voicing her support for reform and calling for greater transparency and equity within the sport’s financial structure.
Aryna Sabalenka on why she believes tennis players deserve a greater share of tournament profits:
“The top players have written to the Grand Slams saying they think they should pay more prize money.
Do you agree with that?”
Aryna: “Yes, I do. I think we deserve to get a bit… pic.twitter.com/O15jyu1spk
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 18, 2025
While addressing the media at Stuttgart recently, Sabalenka acknowledged the letter, affirming the need for a gradual rise in Grand Slam prize money, saying, “Yes, I do. I think we deserve to get a bit bigger percentage. And, yeah, I agree with that, because I think all of us, top players, all of the players, we bring the show. I think we deserve to be paid a little bit more,”
However, when asked whether the percentage of revenue shared with players at GS is smaller compared to regular WTA tournaments, Sabalenka added, “Well, I would say that if we compare tennis to the rest of the sports, like, it’s a huge difference in percentage we are receiving compared to NHL or NBA and the rest of the sports. I think we are individual sport, and we are — I can’t compare sports, so I don’t want to go that far, but l’d say we definitely deserve a bigger percentage on the Grand Slams. I mean, on all of the tournaments.”
What do the other tennis stars have to say regarding the prize money in modern-day tennis? Well, Iga Swiatek recently said, “Well, I think, like, there’s some data available on the internet about the comparison between tennis and other sports.” Even ATP ace Carlos Alcaraz echoed the same sentiment, “Tennis is a well-paid sport, but it can always be improved because there is a percentage that can be increased for the circuit and the players. Tennis is a well-paid sport, but the percentages have to be fair.”
While Sabalenka is advocating for the players to be handed a higher share of revenue as prize money at Slams, she has her sights set on a luxurious item in Stuttgart.
“Want to finally win the Porsche” —Aryna Sabalenka reveals her goal in Stuttgart
Aryna Sabalenka has long been a dominant presence on the WTA Tour, admired for her explosive power. Yet, despite her impressive résumé, one particular trophy has remained just out of reach: the Stuttgart Open. The 3-time GS winner has reached the final three consecutive times, only to be denied each time, falling to Ashleigh Barty in 2021 and losing back-to-back finals to Polish ace Iga Swiatek in 2022 and 2023. Stuttgart isn’t just about glory and ranking points; it also offers the winner a coveted Porsche, making the victory all the more enticing for her.
“I want to finally win the Porsche this year. I lost three finals here against No.1s, so I was, like: ‘Okay, I have to do it. I have to come back here as the world number one,” Sabalenka said.
This year, Sabalenka is more determined than ever to finally win the Stuttgart trophy. As the tournament’s top seed, the Belarusian earned a bye into the second round and benefited from a walkover into the QFs after Anastasia Potapova withdrew because of injury. Now, she gears up to face a familiar opponent: her former doubles partner, Elise Mertens. Sabalenka holds a commanding 8-2 lead in their H2H battles, giving her an edge going into this encounter.
With form and history on her side, Sabalenka seems poised to mount another strong campaign in Stuttgart. Will this be the year she breaks the curse and finally drives away with the Porsche? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The post Aryna Sabalenka Vehemently Backs Tennis Pros’ Money Ask as She Makes a Brutally Honest Confession appeared first on EssentiallySports.