As debate intensifies over player earnings in professional tennis, the spotlight has turned to who should be responsible for funding prize money increases—Grand Slam events or regular tour tournaments?

Last week at Wimbledon, representatives from the top 10 ranked players met with tournament officials to push for higher prize money and a stronger voice in how the Grand Slam events are run. Meanwhile, the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) has launched legal action against major governing bodies: the ATP, WTA, ITF, and the International Tennis Integrity Agency. The PTPA argues that the current prize money structure is unfair and that the sport’s relentless 11-month schedule is unsustainable for players.

Many players argue that the Grand Slams, which generate massive revenues, should be sharing a greater portion of their profits. Currently, playing well at the Slams is what funds most players’ participation across the entire season.

Debbie Jevans, Chair of the All England Club, which hosts Wimbledon, agrees that the issue needs to be addressed—but not solely by the Slams.

“Players rely on income from the Grand Slams to fund their seasons,” Jevans told BBC Sport. “But tennis as a whole needs to take a hard look at itself. Unlike golf, where players earn the bulk of their money during tour events, tennis is the opposite. Tour events also need to step up.”

In 2023, ATP Tour data showed that players earned only 30% of their income from the Grand Slams. The ATP distributed $241.6 million in prize money, bonuses, and retirement contributions, while Grand Slam events provided another $104.5 million for male players alone.

By comparison, this year’s PGA Tour in golf will offer over $400 million in total prize money—surpassing even the four golf majors in individual event payouts.

Wimbledon has more than doubled its prize money over the past decade, with the total pot now reaching £53.5 million. Still, players are questioning why they see such a small portion of the All England Club’s latest reported revenue of £406.5 million.

Another major concern is the length of the tennis season. Most agree it’s too long, and the ATP is exploring the possibility of shortening the season by two weeks starting in 2028. This would involve purchasing events back from their current owners to create a longer off-season—potentially up to seven weeks.

“If you listen to players talking about burnout, injury, and their grueling schedules, it’s clear they need a proper break,” Jevans said. “The sport owes them that.”

She remains optimistic that a solution will be reached in the coming years: “If we collaborate, I believe we can give players the rest they need and build a stronger, more balanced sport.”