Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka said a boycott by the players will occur at some point if they aren’t paid more percentage of what they deserve for grand slams.
“Without us there wouldn’t be a tournament and there wouldn’t be that entertainment. I feel like definitely we deserve to be paid more percentage,” Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, said at the Italian Open on Tuesday, her 28th birthday.
“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.”
Sabalenka and fellow No. 1 Jannik Sinner were among top players who issued a statement Monday expressing “deep disappointment” over the French Open prize money.
Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina and Jasmine Paolini shared that they are on board for a boycott if that is the majority consensus surrounding the issue.
The players’ statement came after French Open organizers announced last month the Roland Garros prize money has increased by about 10 percent for an overall pot of €61.7 million ($72.1 million) — with the total amount up €5.3 million ($6.2 million) from last year, according to ESPN.
The players’ said “the underlying figures tell a very different story,” adding that their share of tournament revenues has been reduced.
“Players’ share of Roland Garros tournament revenue has declined from 15.5 percent in 2024 to 14.9 percent projected in 2026,” the players’ Monday statement said.
The 2026 French Open is scheduled to take place from May 24 through June 7 in Paris.
The players are also seeking better representation, health options and pensions from the four Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.
The Australian Open increased the players’ compensation by 16 percent this year, after the U.S. Open purse saw a 20 percent raise last year.
“While other major international sports are modernizing governance, aligning stakeholders, and building long-term value, the Grand Slams remain resistant to change,” the players said, adding that they remain united in their stance.
“The absence of player consultation and the continued lack of investment in player welfare reflect a system that does not adequately represent the interests of those who are central to the sport’s success.”
The same group of players previously signed a letter sent to the heads of the four grand slam tournaments last year, seeking more prize money and a greater say in “decisions that directly impact us.”
Iga Swiatek, a four-time French Open champion, encouraged proper communication between the players and the governing bodies, but said a boycott of the tournament is “a bit extreme.”
Sabalenka — a four-time grand slam winner — has been open about the “insane” WTA schedule, saying in January that she had planned on skipping some WTA events.
WTA players are required to play in the four grand slams, six WTA 500 events, and 10 WTA 1000s under the association’s rules.
Sabalenka and Brazilian businessman Georgios Frangulis announced their engagement ahead of her first Indian Wells championship in March.
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