ROME — Aryna Sabalenka, the top-ranked tennis player, has stirred the pot by suggesting that players should think about organizing a boycott if they don’t get a larger share of the revenue from Grand Slam tournaments. She voiced her concerns during the Italian Open, coinciding with her 28th birthday.
Sabalenka, along with fellow top player Jannik Sinner and others in the top 10, expressed disappointment over prize money at the French Open. She stated, “Without us, there wouldn’t be a tournament or entertainment. We deserve a bigger percentage.” Her bold stance highlights a growing frustration among players regarding compensation.
The players are also pushing for better health options, representation, and pensions from the four major Grand Slams: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. Recently, French Open organizers announced a 10% increase in overall prize money, bringing it to about 61.7 million euros ($72.1 million). Yet, players argue this does not reflect their share of the tournament’s income.
In fact, data shows the players’ share of the French Open’s revenue has fallen from 15.5% in 2024 to a projected 14.9% by 2026. Last year’s tournament raked in around 395 million euros, yet the prize money increased by only 5.4%. This discrepancy raises concerns about fairness, especially when the players are asking for at least 22% of the revenue, in line with ATP and WTA 1000 events.
Iga Swiatek, a four-time French Open champion, pointed out the need for better communication with governing bodies. She believes discussions could pave the way for negotiation before the tournament kicks off. “Boycotting feels extreme,” Swiatek said, highlighting the tension players feel between advocating for their rights and maintaining the integrity of the sport.
Jasmine Paolini, who has made significant strides in her career, echoed the sentiment that if there’s a united front among players, a boycott might be a real option. She also mentioned that the ATP and WTA tours have been more proactive in supporting players, offering benefits like maternity leave and retirement plans, which the Grand Slams have yet to adopt.
As the French Open approaches, the conversation around player compensation continues to gain momentum. The push for equity within the sport may reshape the future of tennis, setting a precedent for how players are compensated. The coming weeks may prove crucial as players demand a fair share of the profits they help generate.
For more insights on player compensation trends, you can visit this report on athlete earnings from Sports Business Journal.
