Players welcome Grand Slam prize money boost but vow to push for more

MELBOURNE, Jan 16 : The Australian Open will offer a record A$111.5 million ($74.73 million) in prize money this year and while players welcomed the increase, top names like Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka said the push for a bigger payout must continue across the Grand Slams.

The world's top players wrote a letter to the Grand Slams calling for significant improvements in prize money in April last year.

The French Open ($65.42 million) and Wimbledon ($71.60 million) boosted their prize pots last year, although they still fell short of the U.S. Open's purse ($90 million).

Twice Grand Slam champion Gauff said the Australian Open's increase was a positive step but more could be done considering the tournament's revenue, which the Australian Financial Review reported was $467.33 million last year.

"The percentage, of revenue comparison, is still not where we would like it," Gauff told reporters on Friday.

"There's still further conversations that have to be had, not just with the Australian Open but with all Grand Slams. We have player representatives that have been working hard to do that a lot for us because we can't do it, be in person as often.

"From my last update, the collective feeling is that 'yes, there's been progress', but I think it's not where we would like to see it."

World number one Sabalenka echoed Gauff's view but said at least the Grand Slams were listening to the players.

"I hope one day we'll get to happy place for everyone," she added.

The sport's governing bodies are also facing a lawsuit filed by advocacy group the Professional Tennis Players' Association which, though no longer associated with co-founder Novak Djokovic, is pushing for better pay and improved welfare.

Reigning Australian Open champion Madison