World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka believes tennis players should organise a boycott if they don’t start receiving a bigger share of tournament revenues at the Grand Slams .
Sabalenka and fellow men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner were among leading players – most of them ranked in the top 10 – who issued a statement on Monday expressing “deep disappointment” over the French Open prize money .
The players are also seeking better representation, health options and pensions from tennis’ four Grand Slam tournaments – Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.
“Without us there wouldn’t be a tournament and there wouldn’t be that entertainment. I feel like we deserve to be paid more,” said Sabalenka ahead of this week’s Italian Open, live on Sky Sports Tennis.
“I think at some point we will boycott it. I feel like that’s going to be the only way to fight for our rights.”
French Open organisers announced last month they were increasing overall prize money by about 10 per cent for an overall pot of £53.5m, with the total amount up £4.6m from last year.
But the players’ statement said “the underlying figures tell a very different story,” claiming they will receive a smaller share of tournament revenues.
It added: “The players’ share of Roland Garros tournament revenue has declined from 15.5 per cent in 2024 to 14.9 pe cent projected in 2026.”
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Four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek said “the most important thing is to have proper communication and discussions with the governing bodies so we have some space to talk and maybe negotiate.
“Hopefully before Roland Garros there’s going to be opportunity to have these type of meetings and we’ll see how they go,” she added.
“But boycotting the tournament, it’s a bit extreme kind of situation.”
French Open organisers did not respond to a request by AP for comment after the players issued their statement.
Watch the Italian Open in Rome until Sunday May 17, live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports app.
