Novak Djokovic called upon to demand change as top 300 star hits out on tennis income disparity across the board
ATP
Karue Sell has reached the top 300 for the first time in his career. But it is safe to say the riches aren't flowing especially as a player who has to play more in order to earn being in a perilous position. Novak Djokovic has been called upon by the Brazilian to demand change.
Sell has earned just £18,000 this year and despite earning an income as a YouTuber too admitted that he'd be better off working in McDonalds as opposed to playing tennis.
He reached the semi-finals of a Las Vegas challenger last week and despite that doesn't earn enough realistically to make a living. Something that he says is an issue not only in the lower reaches of the game.
“Today I broke 300 for the first time. Yet I'd make more money working at McDonald's,” he wrote on X alongside a crying-laughing emoji.
"I'm ok because of my online work but I feel for my peers. The level is so high now all the way to 400 (at least), go watch a challenger. Tennis outgrew the conventional top 100.
“Not saying players need to make millions but they are being robbed across the board. Top 50 should make more, 100, 150, 200. There's money. Would love to see some real change here @ptpaplayers. Without a union players have no say. Just shut up and play.
“Starts with the fact that players now compete for fewer points in challengers while ATPs gained points. It was done without any notice to players. Here is an email, now go f- yourself.
“[By the way] I believe guys in the top 100 (not like 25) are underpaid too. Guy 50 should be making two to three million [dollars] a year. Top top guys don't need but the middle pack needs more too.”
“I love playing, training, watching. But as a career it's not one I'd recommend to my kids. I'm for the players as players are the product. Help the players and the product will grow.”
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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