By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday, April 4, 2025
Casper Ruud, currently ranked World No. 6, is among the leading voices advocating for change in professional tennis, having co-signed a significant letter from the top 20 players of ATP and WTA directed to the Grand Slam tournaments.
This weekend, at the UTS event in Nimes, France, the Norwegian standout expressed the critical need for better revenue sharing among players at the Grand Slam events.
“As a player, I feel it’s unjust,” Ruud declared to AFP. “When you look at other major sports like the NFL, MLB, or NBA, they achieve close to a 50 percent revenue share.” He added, “While reaching that level might be a stretch for us, every bit closer is a step in the right direction.”
Ruud also highlighted concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the Grand Slam’s operating expenses, making it difficult for players to understand the true profitability.
“The most significant issue is that people aren’t aware of how revenue is shared at the Grand Slams, including where they generate their income and how it’s allocated,” he mentioned.
Additionally, Ruud and his fellow players are frustrated by the absence of player input on critical decisions that influence revenues and alter tournament structures.
He drew attention to recent changes, such as extending the Roland-Garros and US Open tournaments to 15 days.
“Many of these decisions are made without consulting us,” Ruud expressed. “It’s crucial that we respond and request discussions on these matters.”
According to AFP, the FFT acknowledged the letter and has sought a meeting with the players at either the Madrid Open or Roland-Garros to delve deeper into these issues. “We have proposed an open and constructive dialogue, starting with the Madrid Open (April 22-May 4), Roland Garros (May 25-June 8), or any suitable time,” stated an FFT representative to the AFP.
