Djokovic calls for pay increase

Novak Djokovic caused a stir ahead of the start of the Australian Open by telling fellow pros that they should be demanding more prize money at tournaments and proposing an independent players union.

A report from the Daily Mail claims the 12-time Grand Slam winner, who has won six titles in Melbourne, asked officials from Tennis Australia and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) to leave the tournament’s annual player meeting on Friday before making the appeal.

Although all four Grand Slams have made significant increases to the amount of prize money they offer players, reports claim the Serbian superstar, accompanied by an Australian lawyer, made a lengthy speech outlining his proposal for a breakaway players’ union to battle for greater financial reward at tournaments.