World No.1 Jannik Sinner has declared that players have threatened to boycott the French Open if their prize money is not increased, citing a lack of respect from tournament organisers. Fellow top-ranked player Aryna Sabalenka and defending Roland Garros champion Coco Gauff have supported the drastic step, stating earlier this week at the Italian Open that players will likely receive less than 15 per cent of tournament revenue, well short of the 22 per cent they demanded.
Revenue share dispute deepens
The dispute between the French Open organisers and players intensified after the tournament announced a 9.5 per cent increase in prize money to 61.7 million euros (A$100.3 million). Players responded with a statement claiming their share of tournament revenue had decreased from 15.5 per cent in 2024 to a projected 14.9 per cent in 2026.
“It’s more about respect, you know? Because I think we give much more than what we are getting back. It’s not only for the top players, it’s for all of us players,” Sinner told reporters on Thursday. “Of course, we talk about money. The most important is respect, and we just don’t feel it.”
Unresolved issues persist
Sinner revealed that top-10 ranked men and women had written a letter to grand slam organisers last year requesting a larger revenue share, but the issue remains unresolved. “It’s not nice that after one year we are not even close to conclusion of what we would like to have,” he said. “So I do understand players talking about boycott because it’s somewhere we also need to start. Now it’s been a very long time with this. Then we see in the future.”
Novak Djokovic also backed Sabalenka’s comments, praising her leadership. “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,” Djokovic said. “That’s a true leadership for me and I think she needs to maintain that. I salute that. That’s all I have to say about that.”
Reform calls grow
Djokovic, a vocal advocate for players’ issues and a founder of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), said the row over French Open prize money highlights the need for reform in the sport. The PTPA has argued that the current revenue distribution model is unsustainable and requires significant changes to ensure fairness for all players.
