The prospect of a historic boycott is looming over the French Open 2026 after World No. 1 Jannik Sinner confirmed on Thursday that players are prepared to skip the tournament unless prize money is increased. The Italian finds this to be a fundamental lack of respect shown to the athletes who drive the sport’s global appeal.
With this Sinner joins the World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and defending champion Coco Gauff in calling for a boycott against Roland Garros. Both players voiced their support for a snub earlier this week, pointing out a glaring disparity in the tournament’s finances, while players have demanded a 22% share of total revenue, current projections suggest they will receive less than 15%.
The rift between organizers and the locker room has only widened despite a recent announcement from the French Open to raise the total prize pool by 9.5% to 61.7 million euros ($72.19 million). Players argue this increase is deceptive, noting in a formal statement that their actual share of the tournament’s overall earnings has effectively dropped from 15.5% in 2024 to a projected 14.9% for the 2026 edition.
Jannik Sinner’s Reaction On French Open Prize Money
“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 ahead of the Italian Open in Rome.
“Of course, we talk about money. The most important is respect, and we just don’t feel it.”
Sinner said the issue had not been resolved despite the top-10 ranked men and women writing a letter to the Grand Slam organisers last year, asking for a bigger share of the revenue.
“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 ’cause 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 Salutes Aryna Sabalenka’s Leadership
Novak Djokovic also backed Sabalenka’s comments, praising her for stepping up as a leader.
“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,” he 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.”
Djokovic, who has been vocal about players’ issues throughout his career, was one of the founders of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), which said the row over French Open prize money shows the sport needs reform.
(With inputs from Reuters)
