No. 1 Sabalenka calls for boycott if players don’t get bigger cut of Grand Slam revenues – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pexels)
Rome – Lower-ranked tennis players stand to lose the most if Grand Slam revenues continue outpacing prize money growth, top athletes warned this week. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, marking her 28th birthday with a bold statement at the Italian Open, declared that a boycott might become necessary to secure a larger share for competitors. Fellow top players, including Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina, echoed her call, highlighting how shrinking percentages undermine financial stability despite soaring tournament earnings.
Players’ Statement Ignites Debate Over French Open Payouts
A group of leading players, many in the top 10 rankings, released a joint statement on Monday voicing deep disappointment with the French Open’s prize money structure. Organizers had boosted the total pot by about 10% to 61.7 million euros, a rise of 5.3 million euros from the previous year. Yet the athletes argued that this adjustment failed to keep pace with revenues, which reached 395 million euros in 2025 – a 14% increase year-over-year.
The statement pointed out that prize money grew by only 5.4% amid that revenue surge, dropping players’ share to 14.3%. Projections suggested an even steeper decline to 14.9% by 2026, down from 15.5% in 2024. Players demanded alignment with ATP and WTA Combined 1000 events, where they receive 22% of revenues. French Open officials offered no immediate response to the critique.
Sabalenka and Sinner Set the Tone for Collective Action
Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, emphasized the core value players bring to these events. Without competitors, she noted, tournaments lose their appeal and entertainment draw. She advocated for a higher percentage payout, asserting that players deserved more given their role.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner joined her in the statement, signaling unity across genders. Sabalenka went further on Tuesday, predicting a boycott as the path to protecting rights. The timing, coinciding with her birthday, underscored the personal stakes in a sport where taxes often erode substantial earnings.
Growing Support Among Champions Signals Momentum
Defending French Open champion Coco Gauff drew parallels to the WNBA’s recent collective bargaining agreement, secured through solidarity. She stressed the need for tennis players to unionize and act collectively to drive change. Gauff envisioned a boycott if all agreed, though she reported no formal discussions yet.
Elena Rybakina, fresh off her Australian Open triumph, pledged to join a majority decision to sit out. Jasmine Paolini, who reached finals at both the French Open and Wimbledon in 2024, highlighted unity between men and women. She contrasted the Grand Slams’ offerings with WTA and ATP tours, which provide maternity leave and retirement plans – benefits absent at the majors.
Differing Approaches and Broader Demands Emerge
Iga Swiatek, a four-time French Open victor, urged dialogue over drastic measures. She called for meetings with governing bodies ahead of Roland Garros, starting May 24, to negotiate terms. Boycotting, she viewed, represented an extreme step.
Beyond prize shares, players sought improved representation, health services, and pensions from all four majors: Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and U.S. Open. The Australian Open raised compensation by 16% this year, while the U.S. Open increased prizes by 20% last year – moves that outstripped the French Open’s pace.
| Grand Slam | Prize Money Increase | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| French Open (2026) | 10% | Total: 61.7M euros; players’ revenue share projected at 14.9% |
| Australian Open (recent) | 16% | Outpaced revenue growth |
| U.S. Open (prior year) | 20% | Significant boost for players |
At Roland Garros, singles champions stand to earn 2.8 million euros, runners-up 1.4 million, semifinalists 750,000 euros, and first-round losers 87,000 euros. These figures, while substantial, draw scrutiny when taxes claim a large portion and benefits lag.
What Lies Ahead for Players and Tournaments
The push reflects broader concerns for players at all levels, particularly those outside the top ranks who rely heavily on guaranteed minimums. Gauff expressed a desire to improve the sport’s legacy before retiring. Collective action could reshape negotiations, but success hinges on sustained unity.
As discussions intensify, the focus remains on equitable revenue distribution amid growing commercial success. For athletes like Rybakina, who navigate high taxes on big wins, fairer shares promise greater security. The coming weeks, leading into the clay-court major, will test whether talks yield progress or push the sport toward unprecedented protest.
For more on tennis developments, see the AP tennis hub.
