Aryna Sabalenka backs prize money push: “We deserve a higher percentage”

Aryna Sabalenka speaks out on Grand Slam prize money demands, joining other top ATP and WTA stars who recently signed a letter requesting better financial distribution at the sport’s biggest events. The three-time Grand Slam champion added her voice to a growing group of elite players pushing for change.

A few days ago, the world’s best players — united under the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) — sent an official letter calling for increased prize money to the heads of each Grand Slam: Craig Tiley (Australian Open), Stéphane Morel (French Open), Sally Bolton (Wimbledon), and Lew Sherr (US Open).

The letter was signed by all ATP Top 10 players and 10 of the WTA Top 11, with the only exception being the former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.

World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka joined fellow top names like Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula in the demand for a fairer share of the revenue. "I think we deserve a slightly higher percentage. And yes, I agree with that, because I think all of us, the top players, all players, bring the show.

“I think we deserve to be paid a little more. If we compare tennis to other sports, there is a big difference in the percentage we receive compared to the NHL or NBA and other sports. I think we are an individual sport, and we are... I can't compare sports, so I don't want to go that far, but I would definitely say that we deserve a higher percentage at the Grand Slams, in all tournaments."

The 26-year-old Belarusian is currently preparing for her debut at the WTA 500 Stuttgart Open, where she will face Anastasia Potapova, fresh off a dramatic win in which she saved a match point against Clara Tauson — the same player who defeated Sabalenka in Dubai earlier this year.