World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has threatened to boycott the French Open if prize money is not increased, warning that multiple players could pull out of the claycourt Grand Slam if their demand for a 22 per cent hike is not met this year.
The world number one’s remarks have intensified an ongoing dispute between players and Roland Garros over prize money distribution, despite this year’s tournament offering a 9.5 per cent increase to 61.7 million euros.
Several top players issued a statement earlier this week, pointing out that their share would still likely remain below 15 per cent of tournament revenue – well short of the 22 per cent they have demanded to align with payouts at combined ATP and WTA 1000 events.
Speaking at the Italian Open, Sabalenka made it clear that a boycott could become inevitable if talks fail.
“I think at some point we will boycott it, yeah. I feel like that’s going to be the only way to fight for our rights,” Sabalenka said. “Let’s see how far we can get. If it’s going to take players for a boycott… some of the things, I feel like it’s really unfair to the players.”
Despite the strong stance, Sabalenka expressed hope that negotiations would lead to a resolution acceptable to both sides.
“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.
GRAND SLAM PRIZE MONEY
- Australian Open: $74.9 million
- French Open: $72.1 million
- Wimbledon: $72.59 million
- US Open: $90 million
World number four Coco Gauff backed the possibility of a boycott, stressing the need for collective action among players.
“I could 100% see players boycotting a Grand Slam if they took the decision together as one,” Gauff said. “It’s not about me. It’s about the future of our sport and also the current players who aren’t getting as much benefits.”
Gauff also highlighted the financial struggles of lower-ranked players, noting that many ranked between 50 and 200 continue to live paycheck to paycheck despite the sport’s growing revenues. She suggested that forming a players’ union could be key to achieving long-term change, pointing to recent progress made by the Women’s National Basketball Association Players Association.
Sabalenka echoed the sentiment that players deserve a greater share of revenues generated by the sport.
“When you see the number and you see the amount the players are receiving… I feel like the show is on us. Without us, there wouldn’t be a tournament and there wouldn’t be that entertainment,” she said. “I feel like definitely we deserve to be paid more percentage.”
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