This season has seen top stars raise their voices over prize money and player welfare. Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, and Taylor Fritz have criticized Grand Slam tournaments for failing to address long-standing concerns. They argue that lower-ranked players are particularly vulnerable, with prize money distribution heavily skewed compared to other major sports.
Roddick’s perspective
Andy Roddick, the 2003 US Open champion, joined the debate during a conversation with reporter Jon Wertheim on the Served podcast. He questioned the leverage players truly have without stronger collective action. “No one’s saying that tennis players are underpaid compared to anyone else,” Roddick said. “The percentage of prize money and revenue that they get from the biggest entities compared to other sports, and what they get from the biggest entities, is crazily skewed.”
Wertheim’s analysis
Wertheim agreed, pointing out the structural disadvantages players face. With short careers, no union, and stalled negotiations, progress has been slow. “If you were going to devise a sport that is sort of least favorable to player empowerment, it would look a lot like tennis,” Wertheim said. He added that while top players have been involved in talks, little has been achieved.
Sinner’s disappointment
Italian No.1 Jannik Sinner, winner of the 2025 Australian Open and Wimbledon, expressed frustration after discussions with Grand Slam organizers failed to move forward. “We had good conversations with the Grand Slams at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, so it was disappointing when they said they cannot act on our proposals until other issues are resolved. Calendar and scheduling are important topics, but there is nothing stopping the Slams from addressing player welfare benefits like pensions and healthcare right now,” Sinner said, as quoted by The Guardian.
American voices join the call
Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton have joined Sinner in demanding change. As The Independent reported, they are among those “calling for more prize money from the four Grand Slam tournaments and criticizing the lack of progress in discussions on player welfare.” Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff have also been part of the movement, which began with a letter in March and gained momentum after meetings at Roland Garros.
Roddick on solutions
Roddick believes the answer lies in collective participation. “Participation is the answer,” he said, suggesting that only unified action will force organizers to respond.
How players get paid
Beyond the debate, Roddick has also explained how prize money is distributed. In October 2025, he clarified the process for players. “You do not get a check every day. That would be a nightmare for tournaments. You get paid at the end of the tournament… You used to be able to get a check. There was like an actual bank that probably doesn’t work that way anymore. I doubt that’s still an option,”
he said.He added that payments are processed quickly. “Next day, two days, whatever they’re processing. I’m sure it’s different on a Saturday than it is on Monday. It’s not like 30 days,” Roddick explained.
Roddick retired in 2012, but through his podcast and media appearances, he continues to highlight the challenges today’s players face, from prize money distribution to the grind of tour life.
Taylor Fritz in 2025
Ranked no.6, Fritz played his last match on the 13th of November when he overcame world no.8 Lorenzo Musetti 6-3 6-4 in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
Presently, during this year Taylor owns a 53-23 record. Taylor clinched 3 titles in 2025 in Australia, Stuttgart and Eastbourne. The American was the finalist in Tokyo.
Jannik Sinner in 2025
Currently ranked no.2, the Italian played his last match on the 16th of November when he overcame world no.1 Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(4) 7-5 in the final in the Nitto ATP Finals to win his 25th career title.
Presently, during this year Sinner has achieved an overall 58-6 win-loss record. Sinner clinched 6 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, Beijing, Vienna, Paris and the Nitto ATP Finals. Sinner got to the final in Rome, French Open, Cincinnati and U.S. Open.
Taylor Fritz and Jannik Sinner played each other 5 times. Their actual head to head record is 4-1 for Sinner.