Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner have thrown their support behind Aryna Sabalenka’s suggestion that players could boycott Grand Slams if they don’t receive a bigger share of tournament revenues.
Sabalenka and Sinner were among a leading group of players to issue a statement on Monday expressing their “deep disappointment” over the prize pot on offer at the 2026 French Open.
It comes after Roland Garros bosses announced a 10 per cent increase in the total prize pot to £53.39m (€61.7m) in April, an increase of £4.58m (€5.3m) from 2025, with men’s and women’s singles champions both set to pocket £2.42m (€2.8m).
However, a statement from those players said: “the underlying figures tell a very different story.” They claim players will receive a smaller share of the total tournament revenues compared to those on offer at other ATP and WTA Tour events.
Players are hoping that Wimbledon and the US Open respond to their demands, according to Sinner. They are also understood to be seeking better representation, health options and pensions from the four Grand Slam tournaments.
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Peyton Stearns of the U.S during the Madrid Open
“It’s more about respect. Because I think we give much more than what we are getting back,” Sinner said on Thursday at the Italian Open. “It’s not only for the top players; it’s for all of us players.”
Sinner wouldn’t commit to a boycott.
“It’s tough to say,” he said. “I cannot predict the future. But, at the same time, I also believe that somewhere we need to start.”
Djokovic: There needs to be a willingness to work together
Djokovic announced in January he was cutting ties with the Professional Tennis Players Association he co-founded, and that sued the sport’s governing bodies last year.
While the 24-time Grand Slam champion said he has not been involved in the current player protest, he added he had been “watching from the sidelines”, and added the “players know that they’ll always have my support”.
“The new generations are coming up,” Djokovic said. “I’m glad that there is willingness from the leaders of our sport, like Sabalenka, to really step up and really understand the dynamics of how the tennis politics works and understand the nuances and really what needs to be done not only for her benefit and well-being, but for everyone.
“That’s true leadership for me, and I think she needs to maintain that. I salute that. That’s all I have to say about it. We’re all part of the same sport. We all try to elevate the game, whether it’s players, tournaments, or governing bodies.
“Unfortunately, there is often conflicts of interest that some people don’t want to address. I think that’s where the players really have the power. I’m always supportive of the stronger player position in the ecosystem.”
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Aryna Sabalenka had nothing but respect for Coco Gauff following her Miami Open victory over the hometown hero.
One of the big issues affecting tennis governance was that there were seven organising bodies: The four Grand Slams, ATP, WTA and International Tennis Federation.
“Tennis, as any big global sport, is a big business,” Djokovic said. “It needs to be approached from all sides with a willingness to work together and figure out what the formula is.”
While tournament executives at the French Open have increased the total prize purse, some players say they are receiving a 15 per cent share of the tournament’s revenue – a seven per cent reduction compared to ATP and WTA events like the Italian Open this week.
The same group of players sent a letter a year ago to the heads of the four Grand Slams seeking more prize money and a greater say in decision-making. Wimbledon increased its 2025 total pot by seven per cent, the US Open by 20 per cent, and the Australian Open in January by 16 per cent.
“It’s not nice that after one year we are not even close to the conclusion of what we would like to have,” Sinner said. “I truly believe that within 48 hours, you will have not only a response but you also have a meeting.”
The players claim their share of Roland Garros revenue has declined from 15.5 per cent in 2024 to 14.9 per cent projected in 2026.
Wimbledon has not yet announced its prize money for this year.
“I think in the next couple of weeks we’ll also know the prize money we’re going to have in Wimbledon. We truly hope that it’s going to be better. Then, of course, US Open,” Sinner said.
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Highlights of Jannik Sinner and Corentin Moutet’s clash at the Miami Open, where the Italian made it 26 consecutive sets won at the Masters 1000 level, breaking the previous record of 24 held by Djokovic since 2016.
Including profit sharing and an end-of-the-year bonus pool, men’s players actually get about 30 per cent of the share of revenues at ATP Tour events like the Italian Open.
“We’ve been quiet for a long time, and now the time has come to raise our voice,” Sinner added. “We’re not asking for 50 per cent – we wouldn’t even dare – but right now we’re getting too little.”
French Open organisers have not responded to requests for comment.
Watch the Italian Open in Rome until Sunday, May 17, live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports app.
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