Top tennis stars are escalating their demands, threatening the ultimate action of a boycott if their share of Grand Slam revenue does not increase.
Aryna Sabalenka’s determined gaze conveyed a clear message: «I believe there will be a boycott at some point.» The world No. 1 has ignited a new phase in the ongoing dispute over the distribution of Grand Slam prize money, putting increasing pressure on organizers just before the start of the French Open (beginning May 24).
Prominent figures like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Alexander Zverev, alongside Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Iga Swiatek, are leading the charge. They are united and resolute in their demand for a larger portion of the earnings for the athletes.
«We create the show. Without us, there would be no tournaments, no entertainment. I feel we definitely deserve a bigger share,» Sabalenka stated ahead of the WTA tournament in Rome. Paris defending champion Gauff also commented on the possibility of a boycott, saying, «If everyone pulls together and works as one, then I can imagine it 100 percent.» She emphasized that her concern is not for herself but for the situation of professionals in the lower ranks of the world rankings.
French Open Prize Money: Tennis Stars Are ‘Deeply Disappointed’
This long-standing discussion has resurfaced with significant force just before the start of the clay-court highlight in the French capital. As early as spring last year, prominent ATP and WTA tour players jointly called for a revised approach to professionals in a letter to the organizers of the four Grand Slam tournaments (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open).
Now, following the announcement of the planned prize money for Roland Garros, the situation has entered a new, seemingly more intense round. In a letter to the French Tennis Federation (FFT), the players expressed their «deep disappointment» with the figures, and they are now pushing further. Instead of approaching the demanded 22 percent of tournament revenue, their share remains below 15 percent. The top stars deem this insufficient, especially when comparing it to higher benchmarks in other sports, including those in the US.
61.7 Million Euros to Be Distributed at the French Open in 2026
The stakes are incredibly high at the Majors, the four premier events of the season. According to player estimates, the French Open generated 395 million Euros last year. For 2026, they have announced prize money of 61.7 million Euros, with singles champions in both men’s and women’s events set to receive 2.8 million Euros each. The French Tennis Federation has emphasized that prize money has increased by approximately 45 percent since 2019 and that a significant portion of this year’s increase is intentionally directed towards professionals eliminated in the early rounds of the main draw and qualifying. Furthermore, substantial investments are being made in infrastructure and the development of tennis.
Simultaneously, the Federation Francaise de Tennis has signaled its continued willingness to engage in dialogue, a step the professionals are likely to take. The dissatisfaction among Sabalenka, Sinner, and their peers appears to be considerable. This is particularly true as they feel there has been no adequate response to other raised issues, such as contributions to a social fund and greater player input.
The tug-of-war over power and millions has just begun.