The top 20 men's and women's tennis players have jointly signed a letter to the four Grand Slams requesting a "substantial" increase in prize money.
The initiative, first reported by French newspaper L'Equipe, calls for players to receive a greater share of revenue generated by the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.
The letter reportedly has backing from both the ATP and WTA tours.
Players are seeking a meeting with Grand Slam organisers to discuss what they consider more equitable distribution of tournament revenues.
Emma Navarro confirmed she had signed the letter
PA
Chinese world number eight Zheng Qinwen confirmed her participation in the initiative whilst competing at the WTA 500 event in Charleston.
"I think that's going to benefit all the players, not only the top players," Zheng said.
American Emma Navarro, ranked 11th globally, also verified she had signed the letter.
"I talked a little bit to the other players about it and felt like it was a good idea to sign," Navarro said from Charleston.
"I think there have been some sort of unfair pay ratios in the past."
Players argue they deserve a significantly larger return from the vast revenues generated by Grand Slams.
According to reports, only about 17% of competition revenue currently goes to players.
This stands in stark contrast to other major sports like football, basketball and American football, where athletes receive between 35-50% of revenue.
Zheng cited the NBA as an example, noting that basketball players receive almost half of the income generated.
"The players, we're working really hard, because I'm a tennis player I know how much I've worked to arrive here," she said.
The players emphasise that increased prize money would particularly benefit lower-ranked competitors who struggle financially throughout the year.
Zheng Qinwen also confirmed she had signed the letter
PA
"Especially those that work hard during the year and need to get paid from the Grand Slams and have to survive," Zheng explained.
Many lower-ranked players face significant financial challenges covering travel, accommodation, coaching and medical expenses.
"We try to do what we can, and then let's see what the gods brings to us. But at least we're trying," Zheng added.
The collective action represents a rare unified stance from top players across both tours.
Prize money at last year's Wimbledon reached a record £50m, double the amount offered in 2014.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Jose Mourinho's maddest moments after Fenerbahce boss grabbed nose of rival manager with ban set to follow
- Luke Littler beats Phil Taylor in official first-ever 'match-up' - though not how you might think
- Premier League icon, 65, learning to walk again after rare condition left him paralysed from waist down
Wimbledon 2024 gave out a record amount in prize money worth £50million
PA
During that decade, first-round losers saw their earnings increase from £27,000 to £60,000.
The All England Club reported a turnover of £380m in the year to July 2023.
After deducting costs for running the Championships, the operating profit was just under £54m.
Nearly £49m of that surplus went to the LTA, as part of an agreement running until 2053.
Expenses include prize money, employing over 8,000 seasonal staff, and site development.
