Tennis players are said to have shown support for Novak Djokovic's pay rise demands. Photo / Getty
Tennis players are said to have shown support for Novak Djokovic's pay rise demands. Photo / Getty
Tennis star Novak Djokovic has reportedly gained locker-room support as disgruntled tennis players demand more slice of the grand slam pie.
Djokovic stunned officials and players after he hijacked a players meeting in Melbourne to demand a dramatic pay rise, urging players to form their own union.
While Tennis Australia is yet to comment, Djokovic's Serbian teammate Victor Troicki said it was "just ridiculous" how small a percentage players received from grand slam revenue.
When asked if he had an opinion on the matter, Troicki said: "I do. I do. I have an opinion but I think what happens inside the union with the players should stay inside, and we'll see".
Troicki was unable to attend the meeting where Djokovic dropped the bombshell, but said he has been informed and has since talked extensively to Djokovic about the issue.
"If you look at the percentages, what we get from all the income from the grand slams, I think it's just ridiculous," he told news.com.au.
Victor Troicki has signified strong support for Novak Djokovic's demands. Photo / Getty
"Even though they say they're raising the money all the time -- they are -- but they're earning much more than they did (in the) last (few) years and that's a bit of a problem, I think," said Troicki.
Vice president of the ATP players council, Kevin Anderson, said "things have got a lot better from where they were, but both perspectives needed to be considered."
"I can completely understand that guys feel they want more," Anderson said.
"I think we do deserve more. But I also understand the opposite perspective. Our tour is 50 per cent players, 50 per cent tournaments. There are some frustrations and challenges with that but at the same time there's balances and checks as well. We'll keep trying to find a solution."
Tennis' biggest star, Australian Open champion Roger Federer, was said to be in favour of the status quo and has reportedly said he was comfortable players were receiving enough.
Djokovic is due to launch his bid for a record seventh men's Open title later today against American Donald Young.
