Martina Navratilova yesterday said players were underpaid at the biggest tournaments, reigniting a debate that prompted rumours of a strike on the eve of the Australian Open.

The tennis great said organisers of the four grand slams should hand over a greater share of their profits to players.

“Compared to what a teacher is making, we are grossly overpaid. Compared to what the slams are grossing or netting I should say, they are underpaid,” she said.

The holder of 18 grand slam singles titles said: “I think the grand slams are making a lot more than they’re sharing with the players. I think that’s a fact.”

Navratilova was speaking after several top stars voiced their support for better pay and conditions after a meeting of men’s players in Melbourne, which followed discontent at September’s US Open and hints of a strike.

Men’s tour boss Brad Drewett later called the meeting “vocal” but played down the threat of a strike.

And in a rare outburst, Rafael Nadal accused players’ representative Roger Federer of not pushing hard enough for change.

Navratilova said the answer to improving prize money at the grand slams was joint action by male and female players.

“If the men and women got together I think the grand slams would listen,” she said.

“When they’re separated they can do what they want, which is what they’ve been doing.”