Alex de Minaur Considers Greater Prize Money at the Australian Open as Betterment for Tennis
Alex de Minaur beats MacKenzie McDonald in straight sets to reach the second round of the Australian Open.
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Alex de Minaur and Novak Djokovic (via Punto de Break)
Alex de Minaur has lent his voice to the ongoing discussion around prize money in tennis’ biggest tournaments. This comes after several notable players, including Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, have emphasized that an increase in the share of revenue for players in Grand Slam tournaments will improve the sport.
In March last year, several top 10 players in the ATP and WTA Tour signed a petition to Grand Slam chiefs demanding that a higher ratio of prize money to Grand Slam revenue be increased as the players have made tournaments a success over the years, and players’ welfare, which includes pension, health care, and maternity leaves should be added.
Dialogue between the group of players and Tennis chiefs began at the French Open, with former WTA Chairman Larry Scott leading the team alongside Madison Keys, Aryna Sabalenka, Casper Ruud, and other players. That was followed by another meeting at the Wimbledon Championship, this time around Alexander Zverev and Belinda Bencic representing the players.
However, after another meeting in New York, Grand Slam tournaments insisted that they remain committed to finding a neutral ground with the group of players, but called off any further dialogue until the lawsuit by the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) has been completely settled.
Nonetheless, at this year’s Australian Open, the prize money is $55 million, which the group of players says is just 16 percent of the total revenue. De Minaur, who is part of the group of players noted during his press conference, said that players are not greedy, but their perspective must be understood by the tennis chiefs:
It’s not about headlines. It’s not about we’re demanding more and being greedy. That’s some of the things the media potentially grabs on. That’s their headlines. It’s all about perspective. What we’re fighting for is to better our sport. Ultimately for the players to be better compensated. Saying this, we are incredibly well compensated as of right now. But when you look at the percentages and the differences between other sports then of course there’s room to grow.
However, Australian Open insiders have revealed that the prize money is 21 percent of the total revenue, which makes things a little bit awkward as the group of players and Tennis Australia do not look from the same page. Also, there are questions around whether Grand Slam tournaments are willing to make the necessary adjustments that will improve players’ welfare.
Alex de Minaur aims to win his first Grand Slam at the 2026 Australian Open
Alex de Minaur kicked off his Australian Open campaign with a straight forward Victor over America’s Mackenzie McDonald. The No.6 seed needed just an hour and 38 minutes to beat McDonald 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 at the Rod Laver Arena and book his place in the second round of the Grand Slam tournament.
Last year, De Minaur became the first Australian man since 1982 to reach the round of 16 of the Melbourne Grand Slam on four consecutive appearances. But this year, he will have to do more than just make a record, but finally win the title. During the aforementioned press conference, he revealed that he aims to contend for the major title in Melbourne:
The way I’m feeling at the moment is that I’ve gotten to a stage where I’m not just another number in this draw. I’m playing to win it and be one of those guys in contention.
De Minaur will face Serbia’s Hamad Medjedovic in the second round. Medjedovic defeated Argentina’s Mariano Navone in four sets. The Serbian star is known for his powerful ball-hitting style and has good movement on the court. The match will be very tricky for De Minaur, but he’s the favorite to win it.
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