Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka has suggested that tennis players should consider a boycott if they are not given a larger portion of tournament revenues at Grand Slam events. Other players such as Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and Jasmine Paolini are also willing to support this protest.
Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, expressed her disappointment along with other top-ranked players, including No. 1 Jannik Sinner, in a statement issued on Monday regarding the prize money distribution at the French Open. She emphasized the importance of players in the tournament and stated that they deserve a higher percentage of the earnings.
The players are advocating for better representation, health benefits, and pensions from the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and U.S. Open. Despite the French Open organizers recently announcing a 10% increase in prize money, the players argue that they are still receiving a smaller share of the overall revenue.
Gauff, the defending French Open champion, referred to the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement as a successful example of unity among athletes. She highlighted the importance of forming a union to drive significant progress and emphasized the need for collective action among players.
Rybakina, a two-time Grand Slam winner, expressed her willingness to participate in a boycott if the majority of players decide to do so. She pointed out the impact of taxes on prize money and stressed the need for fair compensation for players at all levels.
Paolini, who reached the finals of the French Open and Wimbledon in 2024, also supported the idea of a boycott, noting the unity among male and female players. She commended the WTA and ATP Tours for providing players with benefits that the Grand Slams currently lack.
Iga Swiatek, a four-time French Open champion, highlighted the importance of constructive communication and negotiation with governing bodies before considering extreme measures like boycotting tournaments. The players’ statement outlined discrepancies in prize money distribution compared to tournament revenue and called for a more equitable share for players.
The French Open, scheduled to start on May 24, has faced criticism from players over the distribution of prize money, despite the increase in overall earnings. The players’ concerns have prompted discussions about potential collective action to address these issues within the tennis community.
