Tennis star Novak Djokovic has expressed reservations about the adequacy of Grand Slam prize money, even as the US Open unveiled a record-breaking $90 million prize pool representing a 20 per cent increase from the previous year.
Speaking on Friday, the 38-year-old Serbian acknowledged the boost as "a step in the right direction" whilst maintaining that significant improvements remain necessary.
"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," Djokovic stated.
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Novak Djokovic has demanded more prize money from the US Open
|SKY SPORTS
However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion suggested the current arrangement falls short of players' expectations, asserting there exists "still a lot more room for improvement in that sense."
Djokovic firmly rejected accusations that his stance stems from personal financial motivations, addressing critics who have questioned his intentions.
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"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," the Serbian player emphasised.
His primary concern centres on tennis professionals struggling to sustain careers, particularly those outside elite rankings who depend heavily on major tournament earnings.
"Not many tennis players live out of this sport globally. That's not something that I see has been talked about enough," Djokovic explained, highlighting the financial challenges facing lower-ranked competitors.
The Professional Tennis Players' Association, which Djokovic helped establish, initiated legal proceedings against tennis authorities earlier this year, alleging "anti-competitive practices and a blatant disregard for player welfare."
The organisation's lawsuit targets multiple governing bodies including the ATP, WTA, International Tennis Federation and the International Tennis Integrity Agency, seeking to dismantle what it characterises as "monopolistic control" over professional tennis.
The legal action also pursues financial compensation from these organisations.
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Novak Djokovic will be looking to win a record 25th Grand Slam | ReutersDjokovic has since clarified his position regarding the lawsuit, stating "there are things that I agree with in the lawsuit, and then there are also things that I don't agree with."
The Serbian player highlighted broader economic factors affecting tennis professionals, noting that Grand Slam tournaments continue generating substantial revenues whilst inflation impacts player earnings.
"It's also important to understand that we live in a very commercial world. Entertainment and sports business are very big," Djokovic observed, pointing to the commercial success of major tournaments.
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The Professional Tennis Players' Association have taken legal action against multiple governing bodies including the ATP, WTA, International Tennis Federation and the International Tennis Integrity Agency
|Reuters
He acknowledged that whilst other Grand Slams have followed suit with prize money increases, these adjustments coincide with growing tournament revenues.
"Then there is the inflation part, which is a completely different topic, but important to take in consideration when you talk about these things," he added.
Djokovic begins his US Open campaign on Sunday against American Learner Tien at Arthur Ashe Stadium.