Australian Open: Coco Gauff says Grand Slam prize money ‘not where we’d like’ ahead of 2026 first major | Tennis News

Coco Gauff has led calls for the four Grand Slams to increase prize money on offer again amid an ongoing dispute between tennis’ top players and major tournaments.

The Australian Open, which starts on Sunday, January 18, announced this month that its prize pool would increase by 16 per cent to 111.5 million Australian dollars – about £56m – with individual champions collecting more than £2m each.

The biggest increase in the history of this tournament but, as the income also increases, the players believe that they deserve a higher share of the earnings of the slams, with the ultimate goal of pushing above 20 percent.

Gauff was part of a meeting between the top players and representatives of the major tournaments at Roland Garros last spring, and the American expects more dialogue this year, with mutual frustration that more progress
done.

“From what I understand, it is clear that they have increased the prize money this year,” he said. “The percentage is still to compare income, not where we would like.

“I think there are still more discussions to be had, not just with the Australian Open but with all the controversies. We have the players’ representatives who have been working very hard to do that for us because we can’t do it, personally, usually.

“The general feeling is that yes there is progress, but I still think it is not where we would like to see it, thanks to the progress that has been made.

“I think there will be more and more meetings. I don’t think anyone wants this discussion to go on for years and years. So I think we will continue to have those discussions and probably apply a lot of pressure especially on the top 10.”

Defending champion Keys slows Melbourne comeback

The players also ask that the slams contribute to the benefit of the welfare of the players, and they want a seat at the table to influence issues such as planning.

Australian Open champion Madison Keys said: “I think it’s very important. We’re obviously putting a lot of effort into this game.

“See [the slams]being the owners of so much money, I think it makes perfect sense. Since we are a brand, it makes sense for us to be partners.

“I think it’s been the most productive conversation we’ve ever had, which leads me to be cautiously optimistic, I think, about the future.”

American Keys is back on the winning streak after defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka last January to claim her first Grand Slam title just weeks before her 30th birthday.

“Everyone keeps asking me how my life has changed,” she said. “Not much has changed, except that I have a cool cup at home.

“I’ve had a lot of people come up to me and tell me that winning made them cry. I think, for me, the biggest takeaway is that I was able to do that. I don’t think that often in sports you see that you have the ability to make people cry tears of joy.

“I’m actually trying to get into all the cool, fun parts, like going in and seeing a picture of me holding the trophy. I never dreamed that would happen.

“I’m sure going on court I’ll be nervous, but I don’t think I’ve ever stepped on court in the first round of a Grand Slam and not been nervous.”

Boulter back feeling optimistic after torrid 2025 toss

Former British No 1 Katie Boulter is feeling optimistic about entering the year’s first Grand Slam, despite the 2025 woes she is happy to see behind her.

Last season was a struggle as Boulter dropped from 24th in the rankings and dropped out of the top 100, losing her top ranking in Britain to Emma Raducanu and battling a serious injury.

“Adios 2025, don’t let the door knock you out,” Boulter wrote on Instagram.

The 29-year-old chose to make a big change, parting ways with long-time coach Biljana Veselinovic and turning to American Michael Joyce, who has worked with Maria Sharapova, Jessica Pegula and Johanna Konta.

The pair appear to be in good health, with Boulter’s positive attitude down to his close marriage to Australian star Alex De Minaur.

“Seeing January 1, 2026 was a good start,” he said. “I’m getting married this year. It’s going to be an unbelievable year, one of the best in my life, regardless of what happens on the tennis court. I think for me that has already given me a good chance.

“I feel like I want to have a new coach, have a new set, everything is new and exciting again. Although I feel like I was dragging my feet a little bit at the end of last year I’m trying to finish the whole year without injury.”

Boulter has been handed a tough first-round match against 10th seed Belinda Bencic, while Britain’s top seed Cameron Norrie, absent the injured Jack Draper, will open his campaign on Sunday against France’s Benjamin Bonzi.

Raducanu will also be there on the first day against Thai Mananchaya Sawangkaew, while the qualifier Arthur Fery will play for the first time in this tournament against Flavio Cobolli who is the 20th player.

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