Tim Henman steps in to grand slam pay row to deter player protests at Wimbledon

• Players have demanded bigger prize pots at top events

• Henman has secured meeting with players at Roland Garros

Wimbledon will offer to create a new player council in a meeting with leading player representatives scheduled for Roland Garros next week, with Tim Henman having intervened in the ongoing row over grand slam prize money.

The Guardian has learned the former British No 1 and All England Club Board member held talks with several top players, including representatives of the WTA Players’ Council at the Italian Open in Rome earlier this month. A formal meeting between Wimbledon officials and player agents at the French Open will follow.