The potential for a boycott at the French Open is looming as world number one Aryna Sabalenka stated on Tuesday that players may skip the clay-court Grand Slam if prize money is not raised.
This warning from the Belarusian star follows a mounting dispute between athletes and Roland Garros officials regarding how earnings are distributed. The tension persists even though the tournament recently announced a 9.5% boost in total compensation, reaching 61.7 million euros ($72.19 million).
On Monday, a group of elite players issued a joint statement pointing out that their share of the tournament’s earnings remains under 15%. This figure falls significantly below the 22% mark they are seeking, which would bring the Grand Slam in line with the revenue-sharing models seen at combined ATP and WTA 1000 events.
Why are players unhappy with French Open prize money?
When asked how far players might push their demands, Sabalenka told reporters at the Italian Open: “I think at some point we will boycott it (the tournament), yeah. I feel like that’s going to be the only way to fight for our rights.
“Let’s see how far we can get, if it’s going to take players for boycott… Some of the things, I feel like it’s really unfair to the players. I think at some point it’s going to get to this.”
However, the world number one struck a hopeful note about ongoing negotiations.
“I just really hope that all of the negotiation that we are having, we at some point are going to get to the right decision, to the conclusion that everyone will be happy with,” she added.
Reuters has contacted the French Tennis Federation for comment.
The prize money boost of 5.4 million euros compared to 2025 still leaves Roland Garros trailing its Grand Slam rivals.
The U.S. Open offered $90 million last year while Wimbledon paid out 53.5 million pounds ($72.51 million) and the Australian Open a record A$111.5 million ($80.06 million) this year.
Sabalenka said the players deserved more prize money.
“When you see the number and you see the amount the players are receiving… I feel like the show is on us. I feel like without us there wouldn’t be a tournament and there wouldn’t be that entertainment,” Sabalenka added.
“I feel like definitely we deserve to be paid more percentage. What can I say?”
($1 = 0.8547 euros)($1 = 1.3928 Australian dollars)($1 = 0.7378 pounds)
