Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from player-led prize money protest; here's why

Carlos Alcaraz is currently in the quarter-finals of the 2026 US Open

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff have spearheaded an 18-month push by the top ATP and WTA players for a bigger share of Grand Slam revenue. The group’s target is for 22% of tournament revenue to go to prize money by the end of the decade.

It has already spilled into public view once this year, when players cut back on media duties at the French Open in a mild form of protest, and they made their disappointment known in Wimbledon despite the All England Club pushing its purse past £64 million.

Why did Alcaraz choose to step away?

According to The Times, Alcaraz has quietly stepped away from the group ahead of his US Open quarter-final. His issue isn’t really with the demand for more money, but with the timing of pushing it during an already packed calendar.

The Spaniard’s exit from the protest group is a massive blow as he remains the central figure of the current ATP field. Alcaraz is currently more concerned about tennis’ hectic scheduling, which, according to him, makes it increasingly difficult to get through an entire competition without picking a niggle.

RELATED: Preview – Carlos Alcaraz vs Ben Shelton prediction, betting tips & odds, head-to-head: US Open 2026

Alcaraz’s 2026 US Open campaign so far has been near-flawless, with the Spaniard dropping just a single set across his opening four rounds. His latest win over Tommy Paul is an indication that he is well and truly back.

Hoping to defend his US Open title and clinch an eighth overall Grand Slam crown, the 23-year-old will have to defeat Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals. Against the American, the Spaniard leads 3-0 in head-to-head, entering the contest as the clear favourite.

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