Australian Open 2026: Alex de Minaur makes public statement as tennis stars take action over $111m move

Aussie tennis star Alex de Minaur has moved to explain the position of the players and why they're set to take industrial action for a bigger share of Australian Open revenue. It's been revealed that some of the world's top players and their agents held a meeting in Melbourne during the Australian Open and agreed to pursue a bigger share of grand slam revenue.

The move behind closed doors has been labelled a 'revolt' by some, with players rallying against tennis officials. Tennis Australia has raised the overall prize money pool to $111.5 million for this year's Open, which is more than what was on offer at last year's French Open and Wimbledon. The prize pot includes $4.2m for the men's and women's singles champions - more than the Australian Open has ever handed out.

But some of the top stars in tennis haven't been appeased by the record money on offer, and have agreed to ramp up industrial action until they receive what they deem is a fair share of overall revenue. When quizzed after his first-round victory on Monday, de Minaur said it's simply about growing the sport rather than the players being greedy.

The World No.6 admitted tennis players are "incredibly well-compensated", but not in comparison to the share that other athletes receive in their respective sports. "What we're fighting for is to better our sport and ultimately for the players to be better compensated," de Minaur said.

"When you look at the percentages and the differences between other sports, then of course there is room to grow. I think that's what we're trying to get to ultimately, to a point where we're all helping each other grow this beautiful sport.

"We have seen it grow over the years immensely. Ultimately, I think it's going to be for the best for both the players and the tours and everyone in this sport if we all sit down in a room and we kind of find ways to keep on improving and we keep the communication going."

Daniil Medvedev echoes Alex de Minaur

Russian star Daniil Medvedev echoed that sentiment, saying: "Tennis has good money but the percentage, I think, is important from the revenue. That's the most important (part).

"So I don't know if it's even an open number of what the percentage for us is in terms of prize money, and then should be comparable to other sports. So I let our teams handle this. Hopefully it will lead to more transparency between grand slams and players, because that's going to make, I think, everyone benefit from this."

Women's World No.3 Coco Gauff said on the eve of the tournament: "They obviously increased the prize money this year, [but] the percentage is still, of revenue comparison, not where we would like it. I think there are still further conversations that have to be had – not just with the Australian Open, but with all the slams."

Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley has stated he's aware of the player meetings and claims the revenue share is already close to the 22 per cent that players are demanding.

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