'Important we have a voice that matters': Grand Slam Player Advisory Council to launch at the US Open

US Open's Arthur Ashe Stadium. (Getty/Elsa)

In a tennis first, players will have a voice in decisions by the sport's four Grand Slam events, amid a Player Advisory Council.

On Thursday, a media release sent by representatives of the four majors detailed the move, hailing it as a "significant milestone".

"The Australian Open, Roland-Garros, The Championships, Wimbledon, and US Open today announced the formation of a Grand Slam Player Advisory Council to serve as the forum for direct communication, feedback and collaboration between the Grand Slams and players," the statement read.

"The Council, which will launch following the 2026 US Open, will further strengthen the partnership between the Grand Slams and the players, with a focus on player input into sporting matters at the four Grand Slam tournaments and advancing the shared goal of greater player support.

"The Grand Slams are currently shaping the Council’s initial composition, framework and operating structure with player input. Interested players will be invited to apply, and those appointed to the Council will address the full range of Grand Slam sporting matters."

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World No.6 Ben Shelton said: "Having a seat at the table with the Grand Slams is something we have wanted for some time, so I'm really pleased to see this council come together. It gives us, as players, a real opportunity to have a voice, contribute to the conversation and help shape the tournaments beyond what happens on the court."

Former US Open finalist Jessica Pegula added: "The Grand Slams are the biggest events of the year and the events that the players prioritise and focus on throughout the season. Their impact on a player's career cannot be overstated, and that is why it is so important that we have a voice in matters at these tournaments. The formation of this player council represents that, and I am pleased that the Grand Slams have put this forward."

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The chairs of Australia and France's tennis governing bodies are both in agreement that this decision will benefit the sport.

Chris Harrop, Chair of Tennis Australia, said: "The Council will provide a regular forum for the players to share their ideas on how the Grand Slams can continue to improve the player experience and make our events even more compelling for tennis fans around the world. We look forward to working with them and our fellow Grand Slams through this important new forum."

Gilles Moretton, Chair of the French Tennis Federation, said: "The creation of the Grand Slam Player Council will have a positive impact on our sport. By creating a new space for dialogue, we are giving players more opportunities to help shape, alongside us, the continued growth of Grand Slam Tennis."

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