Why Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka and Other Tennis Stars Have Called Off US Open Protest Plans

The US Open has announced a record $108 million player compensation pool for this year’s tournament, a 20% increase from last year and the largest in Grand Slam history. A new Grand Slam Player Advisory Council has also been formed. And unlike Roland-Garros, the player representatives have suspended plans for a boycott ahead of the tournament, which begins with qualifying on August 23. Let’s take a deeper look.

Inside the Grand Slam Truce After Media Boycotts and Increased Prize Money

The agreement comes after 18 months of negotiations led by top players such as Jessica Pegula, Jannik Sinner, Coco Gauff, and Aryna Sabalenka. At the French Open and Wimbledon, the tension was high, where players limited their mandatory post-match press conferences to 15 minutes.

The move represented the 15% share of Grand Slam revenue that players have traditionally received. They are now seeking 16% immediately, rising to 22% by 2030.

Besides, a month ago, top players had threatened to skip the star-studded mixed doubles event, which is the cornerstone of the US Open’s Fan Week.

The USTA’s new $108 million prize pool also puts more money toward early-round players. Singles champions will earn $5.5 million, a 10% increase from 2025, while first-round losers will receive $140,000, up 27%. Previously, there were concerns that increases favored players who reached the later rounds.

The package also doubles first-round mixed doubles payouts during qualifying week and sets aside $2 million for a new player support program. Complementing the financial package, the four Grand Slam tournaments jointly created the Grand Slam Player Advisory Council, which gives athletes a better say on sporting matters and scheduling.

As part of the agreement, the Grand Slam organizations and player council have reached a truce. Sports analyst Jon Wertheim confirmed the resolution on social media by sharing a joint statement from ATP and WTA players.

“There will be no player protest at @usopen…like most truces it’s tenuous but good for both sides here. Neither got everything they wanted; and neither got nothing. This is what successful labor relations looks like…,” he wrote on X.

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The mixed doubles event begins on Tuesday, August 25, while the singles main draw starts on Sunday, August 30. Carlos Alcaraz, the defending men’s champion, is set to return after more than four months out with a right wrist injury.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.