08/20/26 09:25:00
Printable Page
08/20 09:19 CDT Grand Slam tournaments create player council to give players
more input into biggest tennis events
Grand Slam tournaments create player council to give players more input into
biggest tennis events
By BRIAN MAHONEY
AP Sports Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --- The Grand Slam tennis tournaments have created a player
council, giving players greater input into matters involving the biggest events
in the sport.
The Grand Slam Player Advisory Council was announced Thursday by the Australian
Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. It will begin following the
final major of the year, which begins next week in New York.
Players have been seeking a larger share of revenues from the Grand Slams,
along with better representation, health options and pensions. Some limited
their media appearances at the French Open and Wimbledon as a protest, with
top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff among the stars who even threatened a
potential boycott of the Slams before play began in Paris if they didn't start
receiving more compensation.
"The Grand Slams are the biggest events of the year and the events that the
players prioritize and focus on throughout the season," American Jessica
Pegula, the No. 3-ranked woman, said in a statement. "Their impact on a
player's career cannot be overstated, and that is why it is so important that
we have a voice in matters at these tournaments."
The Grand Slams said the goal of the council will be to strengthen the
partnership between the tournaments and the players, with a focus on player
input into sporting matters at the events.
The tournaments and players are currently developing the composition and
structure of the council. Interested players will be invited to apply for
positions.
Along with matters that affect the Grand Slams collectively, the council will
provide a forum for players to discuss things such as prize money and player
welfare with each of the tournaments individually.
The Australian Open, French Open and U.S. Open are operated by non-profit
governing bodies. Wimbledon is run by the private All England Club.
"We have listened to the players' desire for a greater voice and this advisory
council is an important step toward a stronger relationship between the Grand
Slams and the players," said Deborah Jevans, chair of the All England Club. "We
look forward to working together to elevate the player experience, further
enhance the Grand Slam tournaments and ensure the sport continues to thrive."
___
See AP's full tennis coverage here
|
