Grand Slam council to handle player welfare and compensation talks

Leading tennis players have paused their public Grand Slam campaign but may restart it, the Guardian reported after Sunday's US Open final.

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The development comes as the four majors prepare a new channel for consultation. In their August announcement, the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and US Open said a Grand Slam Player Advisory Council would launch after the New York tournament. The organisers described a body through which players could contribute directly to sporting issues and improvements in tournament support.

Its remit separates shared sporting questions from financial discussions. Matters affecting all four events will be considered jointly, while players will raise welfare, compensation and prize-money issues with each major individually. The announcement attributed that arrangement to differences in tournament economics, governance and decision-making. Organisers said interested players would be invited to apply, with player input informing the council's initial membership and operating framework.

The US Open has already identified a specific role for the council in its new Player Support Program. According to the USTA's separate compensation announcement, an initial $2 million commitment is included in the tournament's 2026 package, divided equally between men and women. The money is to remain in escrow while programme details are finalised with guidance from the player body.

The proposed support extends beyond tournament prize cheques. The USTA said the programme would complement existing retirement funds by providing benefits around life events during players' careers and their transition out of competition. It is intended for US Open main-draw singles and doubles competitors, using eligibility criteria that do not depend on ranking tiers. Further details were to follow consultation with players.

The wider 2026 US Open compensation package totals $108 million, up from $90 million in 2025, according to the same announcement. It includes $5.5 million for each singles champion and $140,000 for a first-round singles appearance. Those announced payments and the support commitment are distinct from the council's ongoing role: providing a forum for players to discuss tournament conditions and financial concerns directly with organisers.