Jessica Pegula backs players in calls for increased Grand Slam prize money

Jessica Pegula has stood up for her fellow tennis players, backing calls for increased Grand Slam prize money.

Last year, top 20 players from both the ATP and WTA Tours sent a letter to Grand Slam organisers asking for more prize money.

While players have taken some criticism over this, considering how much top players already make, Pegula backed the group’s stance after her Miami Open quarterfinal loss to Elena Rybakina.

Jessica Pegula asked about playing without prize money at Wimbledon or the US Open

Rybakina came from behind to beat Pegula 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, knocking the American out of the Miami Open in the quarterfinals.

Pegula was not only asked about her loss to Rybakina but also about her views on Grand Slam prize money during her press conference.

Pegula, whose father Terry owns the Buffalo Bills, has earned over $1.7 million in career prize money. When asked if she’d play Wimbledon and the US Open without prize money, she responded: “No prize money? I don’t know!”

A common argument from players seeking higher pay is that Grand Slams should share more of their revenue with them. However, much of this revenue also supports grassroots tennis development.

Pegula countered that recent increases in prize money haven’t matched revenue growth and said lower-ranked players aren’t seeing those benefits.

“I think that’s why we are at the point where we want to ask, can we do this?” Pegula said. “First of all you don’t know unless you ask or you try. If you push for some sort of change we have seen that in the past within our sport, sometimes you have to fight for what you think is right.

“It’s about the percentage of prize money more so because we have seen how much money they have made. The US Open is making so much money. I think it’s one of the highest grossing sporting events in the world.”

Pegula added: “Fair enough last year they did increase some of the prize money, more so towards the top which is not exactly what we wanted but at least shows they are somewhat aware of increasing that.

“I think we just want an ecosystem around our sport to be sustainable for all players… We see lower ranked players where they survive on a slam pay cheque for their entire year and I think there has to be a way for us as a whole community – tennis community – how do we balance out these massive numbers being made from certain events and trying to spread it around as much as possible.”

Australian Open prize money increase by 16% in 2026

The only evidence we have of Grand Slams increasing prize money so far this year has come at the Australian Open.

This year, the Australian Open set a new record with a total prize pool of A$111,500,000, an increase of nearly 16% on the previous year.

It’s worth noting that the largest percentage increase within the singles draws was given to the winners, Carlos Alcaraz and Rybakina, which backs up Pegula’s comments.

However, it is worth mentioning that qualifying rounds also saw one of the most significant increases in percentage terms. Those are players who need financial support far more than those at the top.

The French Open, Wimbledon and US Open still haven’t revealed their totals for this year yet. So there is still time for changes over the course of this season.

But nothing at this stage suggests we’re anywhere close to an agreement between players and organisers. This seems likely to be an ongoing issue throughout 2026.

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