‘Grand slams are the engine to make a living’: Mackenzie McDonald on why players still compete when injured
Summary
Mackenzie McDonald, a 31-year-old American tennis player, says many players compete in big tennis tournaments like the US Open despite injuries because they need the prize money to cover living and career expenses. The grand slam tournaments generate billions in revenue but currently provide little financial support for player welfare or pensions.Key Facts
- Mackenzie McDonald has played professional tennis for 10 years and knows life on tour can be financially tough.
- Many players play through serious injuries at grand slam events to earn prize money and pay bills.
- The US Open offers a record $140,000 prize for first-round losers as part of a $108 million total prize fund.
- Grand slam tennis tournaments earn over $2 billion yearly but do not formally contribute to player welfare or pensions.
- The US Tennis Association recently pledged $2 million towards a new player support program.
- Lower-ranked players often earn much less and must pay for travel, coaching, and medical support themselves.
- Only 88 players earned over $1 million last year, before taxes and expenses.
- Comprehensive medical insurance is mostly available only to the top 150 ATP-ranked players.
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