World No. 6 Casper Ruud has commented on the request from Top 20 ATP and WTA players to increase prize money at Grand Slam tournaments and to organize a meeting to discuss this issue.
`I cannot go into details [about whether I signed the letter]. But there is definitely a possibility that it could have happened.`
`As a player, I do not think it is fair that players receive an average of 15% of the Grand Slams` income, because they are no less important than the tournament itself. If you compare it to other major sports, with leagues like NFL, MLB, NBA, the percentage of income that goes to players is closer to 50%.`
`The main thing that I think people know little about is how the Grand Slams distribute income, what they earn from, and where the money goes,` Ruud said.
According to Ruud, a fair distribution of income between the Grand Slams and players would be 50/50.
`I don`t think that will ever happen. But if we can get closer to it… Every percentage point can help.`
`For those who may not earn millions a year, an extra few hundred thousand dollars will make a big difference. For those who are eliminated early, for qualifiers, for anyone.`
`Look at the USTA or US Open: they earn more than $500 million, and pay players only $65-70 million.`
`In recent years, the Grand Slams have started a day earlier. Most organizers make decisions without even communicating or consulting with the players. Due to certain measures taken by the Grand Slams, we have a feeling that it is time to react and seek a meeting to discuss some issues.`
Marcus Prine