NewKerala.com

Coco Gauff Demands Higher Grand Slam Prize Money Ahead of Australian Open

Coco Gauff has renewed her call for higher prize money at Grand Slam tournaments ahead of the 2026 Australian Open. While acknowledging a record prize purse increase this year, she argues the players' share remains low relative to tournament revenue. Gauff, entering as the No. 3 seed, arrives with momentum from her 2025 French Open win and strong early-season form. She emphasizes that further conversations are needed with all four Grand Slam events to address the issue.

Key Points: Coco Gauff Calls for Higher Grand Slam Prize Money

  • 16% prize purse increase to $111.5M
  • Singles winners get $4.15M each
  • Gauff says revenue share still too low
  • Calls for talks with all Grand Slams
  • Enters Australian Open as No. 3 seed
2 min read

Gauff calls for higher Grand Slam prize money ahead of Australian Open 2026

Coco Gauff says Australian Open 2026 prize money percentage is still too low compared to revenue, calling for further increases at all Slams.

"The percentage is still, in terms of revenue comparison, not where we would like it. - Coco Gauff"

Melbourne, Jan 16

Before the start of the Australian Open 2026, tennis star Coco Gauff has once again spoken out on the issue of prize money at Grand Slam tournaments, renewing calls for a larger share for players as the season's first major approaches its January 18 start.

The Australian Open pledged a 16 per cent increase in the total prize purse to Aus$111.5 million (US$75 million) this year. The winners of the men's and women's singles at the first Grand Slam of the year will each take home Aus$4.15 million, up 19 per cent from last year, but the two-time Grand Slam champion still feels that it should be increased further.

According to the 21-year-old star, the percentage of prize money remains low compared to the revenue the tournament generates. However, she is happy to see the progress that has been made so far, as the Australian Open is offering record prize money.

"From my understanding, they obviously increased the prize money this year. The percentage is still, in terms of revenue comparison, not where we would like it," she said while speaking to the media.

"I think there are still further conversations that have to be had, not just with the Australian Open but with all the Slams. We have player representatives who have been working really hard to do that for us because we can't be in person as often," she added.

Gauff is currently preparing for the season's first Grand Slam, where she enters as the No. 3 seed. The main draw begins on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Gauff arrives in Melbourne with significant momentum, having won her second Grand Slam title at the 2025 French Open and recording early 2026 victories over world-class opponents such as Iga Świątek and Maria Sakkari during the United Cup.

Gauff has never won the Australian Open. She achieved her best result in 2024, when she reached the semi-finals but suffered a defeat against Aryna Sabalenka.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the demand, I feel the focus should also be on increasing prize money for early-round losers and qualifiers. The gap between the top stars and the rest is huge. A more equitable distribution would help more players make a living. 🎾
A
Aman W
Aus$4.15 million for the winner and she's asking for more? That's nearly 35 crore rupees! In a country like ours, that's an unimaginable amount for most. Sometimes these demands feel a bit out of touch with reality.
S
Sarah B
Good for her for using her platform to advocate. It's not just about the top players; it's about the sport's ecosystem. More money in the sport can trickle down to better facilities, coaching, and opportunities worldwide, including in developing nations.
K
Karthik V
The business side of sports is complex. If the players bring in the viewers and sponsors, they should be compensated accordingly. But the tournaments also have massive operational costs. Hope they find a middle ground. All the best to Gauff for the AO!
N
Nisha Z
First they increased it by 16%, which is significant. Maybe instead of always asking for more, there should be more transparency about where the rest of the revenue goes. Charity? Development programs? That would make the conversation more productive.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50