Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula welcome US Open prize money boost, new player council

Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula praised the US Open’s record prize money allocation and the creation of a Grand Slam player advisory council, saying calls for competitors to get a larger share of the revenue were beginning to gain traction.

The US Open announced a record US$108 million (S$137.7 million) prize purse for the 2026 tournament, while the four Grand Slams unveiled plans for an advisory council following growing pressure from leading players for increased prize money and a bigger role in decisions affecting the sport.

Women’s world No. 1 Sabalenka, a vocal supporter of efforts to improve player compensation, said the developments could help ease tensions between players and tournament organisers.

“We’re super happy... that we’re finally getting to the point where we wanted to be at the very beginning,” the 28-year-old Belarusian told reporters on Aug 28.

“Hopefully we’re not going to boycott the media or tournament or anything in the future,” she said.

“We are all going to be happy, and that’s all we wanted from the very beginning.”

Sabalenka and men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner were among the top players who limited their pre-tournament media activities at the French Open and Wimbledon in 2026 to 15 minutes, as part of a protest to demand a higher percentage of tournament revenue for prize money.

The 15-minute limit was intended to symbolise the roughly 15 per cent of tournament revenue that the tournaments allocated to player prize money.

Player council

American Pegula, who has taken on a leadership role in discussions involving players and tennis’ governing bodies, said unity between the men’s and women’s tours had helped produce tangible progress.

“I think it’s been amazing what the players have been able to accomplish,” the 32-year-old said.

“They have never had anything like this as far as with the Slams being able to generate a council, also the player welfare contribution, and then another increase in prize money.”

The women’s world No. 3 said the initiatives reflected sustained pressure from players as they seek a greater voice in a sport long criticised for its fragmented structure.

“It shows being united on the men’s and the women’s side, especially with the top players, has put a lot of pressure on the Slams to continue to grow our sport,” she said.

She added that details of the advisory council – including its membership, structure and authority – would be closely watched.

“There is still of course more work to do,” she said.

“Going into the council, we’ll see how that’s constructed, and who’s on it and how it’s made up, and then I think a lot of discussions will have to go through there.” REUTERS