Carlos Alcaraz, world No. 1, is set to compete against Zizou Bergs in the second round of the Japan Open. The match will take place at 4:30 a.m. ET on Saturday at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan. Given Tokyo is 13 hours ahead of the eastern time zone, the early morning schedule can be daunting for fans who want to watch live. The event will be broadcasted on the Tennis Channel, with streaming options available through DirecTV, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling.
In related tennis news, a group comprising top-10 players, including Carlos Alcaraz, has collectively approached the organizers of the Grand Slam tournaments with a letter outlining their demands for a larger share of tournament revenues. This letter, sent on July 30 and seen by The Associated Press, details an increase from the current 16% to 22% in player revenue share by 2030. It also advocates for improved pension, health, and maternity benefits totaling $12 million annually, and proposes a new player council for increased influence.
The players have enlisted Larry Scott, a seasoned sports executive, for consultation. This move follows a similar letter sent in March and coincides with an ongoing legal case initiated by the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA), co-founded by Novak Djokovic. The lawsuit, filed in May, challenges the distribution of revenues in tennis, claiming insufficient financial compensation for players. The four Grand Slam organizers have recently been added as defendants to this case, further emphasizing the need for systemic reform within the sport’s administration.
Despite the ongoing disputes, there are positive developments. The U.S. Open, part of the Grand Slam, has demonstrated its willingness to increase player compensation, with U.S. Open singles champions Sabalenka and Alcaraz recently receiving a record $5 million each. This positive stride represents a broader commitment to enhancing players’ financial stakes and ensuring open, transparent communication between players and tournament organizers.
As the tennis community grapples with these issues, players like Alcaraz continue to inspire both on and off the court, working towards a more equitable future for all athletes involved.