US Open: Novak Djokovic calls for further rise in Grand Slam tennis prize money

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.