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Italian Open Backs Player Revolt on Slam Prize Money
7 May
Summary
- Italian Open supports players demanding better prize money from Grand Slams.
- The tournament aims to become tennis's fifth Grand Slam, challenging tradition.
- Organizers cite competitive disparities caused by Grand Slams' revenue handling.
The Italian Open is publicly backing a potential player boycott against Grand Slam tournaments over prize money disparities. Angelo Binaghi, president of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, is leveraging this player-driven movement to advance his ambition of making the Italian Open the fifth Grand Slam event. He stated that the current revenue-sharing model, which allegedly grants players only 14.3% at Grand Slams compared to 22% at events like the Italian Open, creates unfair competitive imbalances.
Binaghi described the situation as 'scandalous' and a 'shameful' practice that disadvantages nations lacking the financial muscle of Grand Slam hosts. His campaign to elevate the Italian Open, currently featuring unequal prize money for men and women but with the women's champion earning slightly more this year, aims to break a 'century of tennis history' and a perceived monopoly. This push comes during a boom in Italian tennis, marked by top-ranked Jannik Sinner and a strong Davis Cup performance.
However, Binaghi faces significant hurdles, including limited expansion space at the Foro Italico, though he has stated openness to relocating the tournament within Italy. Plans for a retractable roof and increased stadium capacity for the 2028 edition are underway. The tournament is also seeking to add a mixed doubles event, currently blocked by ATP and WTA rules that conflict with the Madrid Open schedule.
