Coco Gauff is pleading with Grand Slam organisers to increase prize money, arguing that players still receive too small a share of the tournaments’ booming revenues.
Her comments come as the Australian Open announced a 16 per cent rise in its prize fund to £56 million, with singles champions set to earn more than £2 million, a move organisers say reflects growing commercial success.
Gauff and other leading players believe the increases do not go far enough, pointing to rising costs, shorter careers and the vast profits generated by Grand Slams as reasons for a fairer distribution.
“From my understanding, they obviously increased the prize money this year,” she said.
“The percentage is still, of revenue comparison, not where we would like it.
“I think there’s still further conversations that have to be had, not just with the Australian Open but with all the slams. We have player representatives that have been working really hard to do that a lot for us because we can’t do it, be in person, as often.
“The collective feeling is that, yes, there’s been progress, but I still think it’s not where we would like to see it. We are grateful for the progress that has been made.
“I imagine that there will be continually more meetings. I think no one wants this conversation to be continuing for years and years. So I would imagine that we would continue to have those conversations and maybe more pressure being applied with especially the top 10.”
The Australian Open started on January 12, 2026, with the men’s singles matches, followed by the women’s singles and then mixed doubles, with the tournament set to conclude on February 1, 2026.
