The French Open has become the first grand slam tournament to offer players a share of its revenue, marking a significant step in the row over prize money and increasing pressure on the US Open to follow.
Key facts
- The French Open is the first grand slam to offer players a share of tournament revenue.
- Roland Garros officials made the offer to players' representative Larry Scott in talks at Wimbledon a fortnight ago.
- No agreement has yet been reached.
- The US Open is due to announce its prize fund for this year at the start of next month.
- The profit-share model sets Roland Garros apart from the three other grand slams.
The French Open has become the first grand slam tournament to offer players a share of the event’s revenue, a move described as a significant step forward in the ongoing dispute over prize money in tennis.
According to the Guardian, officials from Roland Garros made the offer to the players’ representative, Larry Scott, during talks at Wimbledon a fortnight ago. The development is expected to increase pressure on the US Open, which is due to announce its prize fund for this year’s tournament at the start of next month.
While an agreement has yet to be reached, the French Open’s willingness to commit to a profit-share model to determine prize money is a major development in the wider row between players and tournament organisers.
The move sets Roland Garros apart from the three other grand slam events, none of which has so far agreed to a revenue-sharing arrangement with players.
The offer comes amid growing pressure from players seeking a larger share of the money generated by the sport’s biggest tournaments. The Guardian reports that the US Open, in particular, will now come under scrutiny to consider a similar model when it confirms its prize fund next month.
The talks at Wimbledon signal that the dispute over how prize money is calculated remains an active issue among the grand slam organisers and player representatives, though the outcome of the French Open’s offer is not yet settled.
Why it matters
How grand slam tournaments share their revenue affects how much players earn and could reshape the economics of professional tennis. If Roland Garros's profit-share model gains traction, it may set a precedent that pressures other major events to change how prize money is determined.
Frequently asked questions
What has the French Open offered players?
The French Open has offered players a share of the tournament's revenue, becoming the first grand slam to propose a profit-share model to determine prize money.
Has an agreement been reached?
No. According to the Guardian, an agreement has yet to be reached, though the offer itself is considered a major development.
How does this affect the US Open?
The move is expected to increase pressure on the US Open, which is due to announce its prize fund for this year's tournament at the start of next month.