Audio By Carbonatix
Novak Djokovic believes there is "room for improvement" regarding the prize money available to players at the four Grand Slams.
Tournament prize money has been a contentious issue this year, after the top 20 men's and women's players signed a letter asking for a greater share of revenue from the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.
Earlier this month, the United States Tennis Association announced a 20% increase in prize money for the US Open - creating what is claims is "the largest purse in tennis history' - with $90m (£67.4m) in total up for grabs.
"Look, it's a step in the right direction," Djokovic, 38, said on Friday when asked if the increase mirrors what players had in mind.
"Obviously, it's always nice and positive to see that Grand Slams are willing to improve the prize money overall across the board for the players.
"Whether it's an ideal situation for us, I think overall, I don't think so. I think there is still a lot more room for improvement in that sense."
Djokovic explained that he doesn't want increases for himself, but for players lower in the rankings who rely on Grand Slams.
"I see that in the past when I talk about this topic, people like to say, 'Well, look at him, wanting more money for himself'. It's not about that," said the 24-time Grand Slam winner.
"I'm just talking about overall. Not many tennis players live out of this sport globally. That's not something that I see has been talked about enough.
"It's also important to understand that we live in a very commercial world. Entertainment and sports business are very big.
"And for Grand Slams, they are doing very well as well. So the US Open increased the prize money. Other slams are doing it too. But they also have a bigger revenue than the previous year.
"Then there is the inflation part, which is a completely different topic, but important to take in consideration when you talk about these things.
"Overall it's definitely a positive step."
Earlier this year, the Professional Tennis Players' Association (PTPA) launched legal action against tennis' governing bodies, citing "anti-competitive practices and a blatant disregard for player welfare".
The lawsuit by the players' group, which was co-founded by Djokovic, sought an end to what it describes as "monopolistic control" of the tennis tour, as well as financial compensation from the ATP, the WTA, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
Djokovic subsequently said that "there are things that I agree with in the lawsuit, and then there are also things that I don't agree with".
Djokovic will begin his US Open campaign on Sunday against American Learner Tien at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York City.
Latest Stories
-
Mahama Ayariga vows not to be provoked to comment on Bawku chieftaincy matters
16 seconds -
‘Next of kin’ does not grant inheritance rights — Lawyer
3 minutes -
Army leadership hails troops, unity and security gains at 2025 WASSA
10 minutes -
Ghana-Nigeria trade rift looms amid legal dispute – UK Certified Customer Communication and Marketer warns
16 minutes -
Prudential Life joins education stakeholders to encourage financial literacy in education curriculum
25 minutes -
‘Next of kin’ does not grant inheritance rights – Lawyer
56 minutes -
BoG Governor says reforms will shield Ghana from another financial meltdown
1 hour -
BoG to shift banking supervision to risk-based model – Governor outlines strategy for 2026
1 hour -
BoG Governor targets 10% NPL ratio by end of 2026
1 hour -
Nicki Minaj surprises conservatives with praise for Trump, Vance at Arizona event
2 hours -
‘The Wire,’ actor James Ransone dies by apparent suicide at 46
2 hours -
Bristol University threatened with legal action after protest at academic’s talk
2 hours -
US launches review of advanced Nvidia AI chip sales to China, sources say
2 hours -
2 nurses, security guard arrested over alleged baby theft at Tamale hospital
3 hours -
Elon Musk becomes first person worth $700 billion following pay package ruling
3 hours
