No 1 Sabalenka calls for boycott if players don't get bigger cut of Grand Slam revenues

Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka believes tennis players should organize a boycott if they don’t start receiving a bigger share of tournament revenues at the Grand Slams. Sabalenka and fellow No. 1 Jannik Sinner were among leading players — most of them ranked in the top 10 — who issued a statement on Monday expressing “deep disappointment” over the French Open prize money. The players are also seeking better representation, health options and pensions from the four Grand Slam tournaments: Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open.

In a bold move that could shake the foundations of professional tennis, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has called for a potential player boycott if Grand Slam tournaments don't increase the share of revenue going to athletes. Speaking at the Italian Open on her 28th birthday, Sabalenka didn't mince words: "Without us, there wouldn't be a tournament and there wouldn't be that entertainment. I feel like definitely we deserve to be paid more percentage."

Sabalenka isn't alone in her frustration. She and fellow top-ranked star Jannik Sinner were among a group of leading players—mostly ranked in the top 10—who issued a statement on Monday expressing "deep disappointment" over French Open prize money. The players are demanding better representation, improved health options, and enhanced pensions from all four Grand Slams: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open.

"I think at some point we will boycott it," Sabalenka warned. "I feel like that's going to be the only way to fight for our rights."

The dispute centers on the latest prize money figures. French Open organizers recently announced a roughly 10% increase in overall prize money, bringing the total pot to €61.7 million ($72.1 million)—up €5.3 million from last year. But the players' statement claims these numbers are misleading, arguing that their actual share of tournament revenue is shrinking.

"Players' share of Roland Garros tournament revenue has declined from 15.5% in 2024 to 14.9% projected in 2026," the statement noted, calling the trend deeply concerning for the sport's future.

Four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek offered a more measured perspective, emphasizing the need for dialogue. "The most important thing is to have proper communication and discussions with the governing bodies so we have some space to talk and maybe negotiate," Swiatek said. "Hopefully before Roland Garros there's going to be opportunity to have these types of meetings. But boycotting the tournament, it's a bit extreme kind of situation."

French Open organizers have not yet responded to the players' statement, leaving the tennis world wondering whether this growing tension will lead to historic action on the sport's biggest stages.

No 1 Sabalenka calls for boycott if players don't get bigger cut of Grand Slam revenues

No 1 Sabalenka calls for boycott if players don't get bigger cut of Grand Slam revenues