Dialogue between the group of gamers – who’re represented by former WTA chief Larry Scott – and the Grand Slam powerbrokers started earlier this yr.
In March, the gamers signed a letter despatched to the 4 majors asking for a gathering. It got here shortly after the Skilled Tennis Gamers’ Affiliation (PTPA) launched authorized motion in opposition to tennis’ governing our bodies, citing “anti-competitive practices and a blatant disregard for participant welfare”.
Sabalenka was amongst six stars who met with leaders from all 4 Grand Slams at this yr’s French Open – joined by Jannik Sinner, Alex de Minaur, Casper Ruud, Coco Gauff and Madison Keys, in addition to group representatives – to debate the issues.
That was adopted up by particular person conferences with every Slam at Wimbledon, the place girls’s semi-finalist Belinda Bencic and males’s world quantity three Alexander Zverev attended on behalf of the gamers.
“These talks had been constructive and we adopted that up with proposals to how our three requests might be resolved,” Bencic instructed BBC Sport.
The gamers’ group despatched out letters to all 4 Grand Slams individually to stipulate their proposals.
Replies had been obtained from every of the tournaments, with Wimbledon advising they’d take into account the solutions.
In accordance with one supply, the gamers are “infuriated” and really feel the Grand Slams are being dismissive of their issues.
“It has been disappointing for us with the responses that we obtained on these proposals that addressed the three key subjects that we’re actively searching for enhancements on,” Bencic added.
Consequently, they’ve determined to show up the warmth by talking out publicly and warning they’re prepared to take additional motion, though the character of what that may be has not but been mentioned.
