"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 are calling for Grand Slam organizers to discuss several issues regarding revenue sharing, player welfare, and consultation.

This comes after top-ranked men's and women's tennis players sent a letter to the organizers of all four Grand Slams to increase their revenue-sharing percentage and also increase their contribution to tour-funded pension programs.

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 has also shared her feelings regarding the stalled negotiations. She said:

"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 wants 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 with Slams stalled since US Open discussion

In May, the first meeting was held between Slams and the players after Roland Garros in Paris. 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. Former WTA chief Larry Scott is leading the conversation from the players' side on this front.

The negotiations were stalled during the summer, with the majors saying the doors for that will only open once other matters are resolved. In the meantime, the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) filed a lawsuit for massive reshaping of the sport in terms of revenue sharing.

Another letter was sent on July 30 on the players' behalf, asking to find a solution without delay. In September, among all four majors, only the All England Club and the US Tennis Association talked with the players' representatives.

The players are asking for a Grand Slam Player Council, which will have to be consulted by all four majors regarding prize money, schedule, rules and policies.

As of now, the players are entitled to about 13 to 15 percent of Grand Slam revenue in the form of prize money. The players want that percentage to increase to 22%.

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

Edited by Krutik Jain