Ben Shelton has backed the Wimbledon media protest while stressing that governance issues matter more than prize money alone.
The world No. 5 told Tennishead at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic that players need a formal council and a seat at the table for Grand Slam decisions. He said the 15-minute press conference limit reflects broader frustration over schedules that now stretch events like the US Open to 21 days and most Masters 1000 tournaments to two weeks.
Shelton noted the tour has become unsustainable for many top players and pointed to recent withdrawals by Carlos Alcaraz and others. He added that decisions on tournament length and welfare are made without sufficient player input.
The All England Club raised the prize fund 20 percent to £64.2 million this year. Players seek 16 percent of revenue now and 22 percent by 2030, though the club has called that target unrealistic. Shelton acknowledged he does not have all the answers but hopes decision-makers recognize the physical toll on athletes.
Shelton arrives at Wimbledon after winning the Stuttgart title on grass and reaching the quarterfinals in Halle. His best Wimbledon result remains last year’s quarterfinal appearance.
