Novak’s call for extra cash is hard to accept

AM I the only one who thinks Novak Djokovic calling for an increase in prizemoney on the ATP World Tour a bit rich – pardon the pun?

Djokovic reportedly made the demand at a closed player meeting shortly before the Australian Open.

A grand slam that gives first-round losers $60,000.

The Australian Open, according to tournament director Craig Tiley, has plans to increase its overall purse to $100 million.

Maybe it wouldn’t be so hard to swallow if it didn’t come from a player who is estimated to have earned a touch over $100 million in his career, minus any sponsorship deals he has.

Apparently he has the support of his fellow players with one of they key talking points being the low percentage players received from grand slam revenue.

I see the argument and I will not question the work ethic and dedication of professional tennis players, but how does airing this issue right before a grand slam help the game?

If anything it only makes them look a touch greedy.

Instead of focusing on career earnings Djokovic and his fellow stars should be wielding their influence elsewhere.

More should be done to ease the burden on the lower tiers of tennis and that’s not about cash bonuses for winning games.

A greater percentage of grand slam revenue should be used to help the “lesser players”.

Systems should be put in place to make travel, health and access to support easier for every player, especially juniors.

I understand what I’m suggesting is by no means easy to employ but surely it should be more of a priority.

Maybe Djokovic can donate some of his millions for the good of the game.