Top-ranked tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has suggested that players should consider boycotting Grand Slam tournaments if they do not see an increase in their share of the prize money. Other players like Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and Jasmine Paolini are also open to supporting this cause.
Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, expressed her disappointment alongside other top players, including Jannik Sinner, regarding the prize money distribution at the French Open. She emphasized the essential role players play in the tournaments and voiced the belief that they deserve a higher percentage of the revenues.
The players are advocating not only for increased prize money but also for improved representation, health benefits, and pension plans from the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and U.S. Open. Despite the French Open organizers recently announcing a 10% increase in prize money, the players argue that their share of the revenue has actually decreased.
Gauff, the defending French Open champion, highlighted the benefits of unity by referencing the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement. She suggested the need for a players’ union to drive significant progress in addressing these issues collectively.
Rybakina, a two-time Grand Slam champion, expressed willingness to join a player boycott if the majority agreed, emphasizing the broader financial challenges players face, including high taxes on prize money.
Paolini, who reached the finals of the French Open and Wimbledon in 2024, echoed support for a potential boycott, emphasizing the unity between male and female players and praising the WTA and ATP Tours for providing better player benefits compared to the Grand Slam tournaments.
Iga Swiatek, a four-time French Open champion, emphasized the importance of communication and negotiation with the governing bodies before considering extreme measures like boycotting tournaments.
The players’ statement highlighted discrepancies in revenue and prize money distribution at the French Open, pointing out a significant gap between the players’ requested share and the current allocation. Despite the players’ call for action, the French Open organizers have not yet responded to their concerns.
Overall, the players are advocating for fairer treatment in terms of prize money distribution and player benefits, expressing their willingness to take collective action to address these issues. The French Open is set to begin on May 24, with singles champions slated to receive 2.8 million euros each.