French Open offers players share of tournament revenue

The French Open has become the first grand slam tournament to offer players a share of the event's revenue. Officials from Roland Garros made the offer to the players' representative in talks at Wimbledon a fortnight ago. The proposal increases pressure on the US Open, which is scheduled to announce its prize fund for this year's tournament at the start of next month.

proposal While an agreement has yet to be reached, the French Open's willingness to commit to a profit-share model to determine prize money sets it apart from the three other grand slam tournaments. The offer also includes contributions to player pensions and health care along with greater player input in tournament operations.

The players are seeking guarantees that all grand slam tournaments will pay 16% of their revenue in prize money immediately, rising to 22% by 2030. The grand slam tournaments have increased prize money in recent years, but the players want an agreed formula based on revenue sharing rather than annual notifications.

The US Open faces particular pressure because it has had longer to reach an agreement with the players. The tournament next month coincides with the arrival of a new chief executive of the US Tennis Association. A number of players have threatened not to play in the US Open's mixed doubles event if significant progress is not made.

Last year, the US Open increased its prize money by 21% to $85 million.