In recent times, substantial capital has been injected by all four major tennis tournaments into their respective venues and amenities.
Every one of these prestigious events features a minimum of two courts equipped with a retractable covering, with the Australian Open incorporating a third after the Margaret Court Arena underwent renovations in 2015.
Ensured match continuity results in expanded broadcasting rights agreements, ultimately channeling more revenue to the athletes.
The ongoing multi-million dollar renovation of the Millennium Building by the AELTC involves a substantial enhancement of player fitness centers, rehabilitation zones, common areas, and dining establishments. Upon its anticipated completion in 2027, the uppermost level will boast a rooftop terrace and green space.
At Flushing Meadows, the USTA is currently developing a player performance complex valued at $250 million (£189.7 million), featuring enlarged practice spaces, changing rooms, and culinary provisions.
Furthermore, each year, athletes participating in either the qualification rounds or the main tournament draw are granted supplementary stipends by the Grand Slams. For this month’s Australian Open, competitors are to receive A$350 (£174.35) daily as a per diem, intended to cover lodging expenses, along with an A$100 (£49.81) daily allowance for on-site meals, and five complimentary racquet restringing services per match round completed.
Tennis Australia additionally provides a travel subsidy, which has seen a 67% increase this year, reaching A$10,000 (£4,981.30), concurrently with the provision of medical and laundry amenities, alongside entry passes and tokens of appreciation at all event locations.
The major tournaments also allocate substantial funds to preparatory competitions, which might frequently incur financial losses otherwise. The AELTC, for instance, reports an expenditure exceeding £60 million on bolstering grass court fixtures since 2019.
Beyond channeling funds into elite and community-level tennis within their nations, every major championship donates $750,000 (£572,302) annually to the Grand Slam Player Development Programme.
Notable champions such as Elena Rybakina, Li Na, and Gustavo Kuerten are counted among the beneficiaries of this fund, established to aid athletes from emerging tennis countries in their journey toward professional careers.
Conversely, at the apex of the sport, leading athletes are able to secure highly profitable endorsement contracts as a direct result of their achievements.
For instance, Sinner, Gauff, Carlos Alcaraz, and Iga Swiatek all serve as Rolex representatives, gaining advantages from the timepiece manufacturer’s enduring partnership with the Grand Slams, a relationship that, for Wimbledon, spans almost fifty years.
