World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has warned that tennis players may boycott Grand Slam tournaments if prize money disputes are not resolved. Speaking at the Italian Open on her 28th birthday, the four-time Grand Slam champion said players deserve a larger share of tournament revenue.
“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 said. “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 top players including Jannik Sinner, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and Jasmine Paolini issued a statement expressing “deep disappointment” over French Open prize money. The statement noted that players’ share of Roland Garros revenue has declined from 15.5% in 2024 to a projected 14.9% in 2026, despite a 10% overall increase in the prize pool to €61.7 million.
The players are also seeking better representation, health options, and pensions from the four Grand Slam tournaments. While the Australian Open raised compensation by 16% this year and the US Open by 20% last year, players argue that Grand Slams remain resistant to change and fail to consult them on decisions that directly impact their welfare.
Four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek described a boycott as “a bit extreme” and encouraged better communication. However, Sabalenka has been vocal about the demanding WTA schedule, which requires players to compete in four Grand Slams, six WTA 500 events, and ten WTA 1000s.
