"I don't get why there's no more open conversation" - Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula & others hit back at Slams for 'frustrating' stalled negotiations

Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula and other top-ranked players have called for Grand Slam organizers to resume discussions over their proposals on revenue sharing, player welfare, and consultation.

Top-ranked men's and women's tennis players sent a letter to the organizers of all four Grand Slams regarding a potential increase in revenue-sharing percentage and also contribution to tour-funded pension programs.

Multiple meetings were then held between the Slams and the players to thrash out a solution, but negotiations stalled during the summer and have yet to resume.

In an interview with AFP in Riyadh, Swiatek said:

"For sure, it would be great if the Grand Slams wanted to talk to us, because that's how it's supposed to be, and I don't really get why there's no more open conversation.

"It's not only about prize money, but also about the pension, the health plan and just having more smooth cooperation and communication in the future. So I think for sure it's a setback and for sure the players are not happy with it.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka said there was no better time for the issues to be discussed:

"I think it's the time right now to sit at a table and come to a conclusion that everyone will be happy with."

Jessica Pegula said their demands will benefit the entire tennis ecosystem.

"We're just trying to be a united voice," said Pegula. "I think it's the first time we've actually been able to come together with both tours. And so that's a testament to just everybody being really open-minded and wanting to come together on making our sport better and better for the players."

Regarding the stalled negotiations, she added:

"That's kind of our problem. So I think we'll just keep using our voices to speak out and see if we can come to the table with them. I think the ball is a little bit in their court right now."

American tennis star Madison Keys finds the stalled negotiations "frustrating," saying:

"I feel like we're doing it in a very above-board, mature way. So I hope that the Grand Slams continue to have the conversations and are willing to move forward in a positive light."

Aryna Sabalenka & PTPA are seeking to open negotiations stalled since US Open discussion

The first meeting between Slams and the players was held at the French Open in May. Among the players leading the conversation were Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner, Casper Ruud, Coco Gauff, Alex de Minaur and Madison Keys. Their next meeting took place at Wimbledon, with former WTA chief Larry Scott leading the conversation from the players' side.

The negotiations stalled during the summer, with the Majors focusing on resolving other matters, including a lawsuit filed by the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) regarding the massive reshaping of the sport in terms of revenue sharing.

Another letter was sent on July 30 on behalf of the players, requesting a solution without delay. In September, only the All England Club and the US Tennis Association talked with the players' representatives.

Among the proposals is a request for the formation of a Grand Slam Player Council and an increase in revenue share at Grand Slams from 13 to 15 percent of revenue to 22%.

It remains to be seen whether a middle ground is found soon between players and the Majors.