Aryna Sabalenka issues Grand Slam boycott stance as pay row continues before French Open

Women’s singles world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has suggested that tennis stars should organise a boycott if they do not receive a greater percentage of tournament revenues.

Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, was among a group of 20 players – including Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic – who released a joint statement on the matter on Monday (May 4).

Despite French Open organisers announcing a 9.5 per cent increase in prize money to a total of £52.6 million – with each men’s and women’s singles champion receiving £2.4 million – players still believe the amount should be higher relative to the revenue generated by the four majors – the US Open, Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon.

In a lengthy statement, the group broke down the year-on-year increase in revenue, pointing out that revenue in 2025 was up 14 per cent on 2024, while prize money rose by only 5.4 per cent, effectively reducing the players’ share to 14.3 per cent.

Part of the statement read: “With estimated revenues of more than €400m for this year’s tournament, prize money as a percentage of revenue will likely still be below 15% — far short of the 22% that players have requested to bring the Grand Slams into line with the ATP and WTA Tours. As Roland Garros looks set to post record revenues, players are receiving a declining share of the value they help create.”

'We will boycott it...'

On Tuesday (May 5), Sabalenka addressed the topic directly during the Italian Open, which will take place over the next two weeks before the French Open.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Russian said: “Without us there wouldn’t be a tournament and there wouldn’t be that entertainment. I feel like we deserve to be paid more.

“I think at some point we will boycott it. I feel like that’s going to be the only way to fight for our rights.”

Iga Świątek, a four-time Roland Garros champion, also offered her thoughts, she said: “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.

“Hopefully before Roland Garros there’s going to be an opportunity to have these types of meetings and we’ll see how they go.

“But boycotting the tournament is a bit of an extreme situation.”

Djokovic has also previously been an advocate for increased prize money for players at majors.

French Open 2026 prize money

Main draw:

• Champion — €2,800,000 (£2,408,000)
• Runner-up — €1,400,000 (£1,204,000)
• Semi-finalist — €750,000 (£645,000)
• Quarter-finalist — €470,000 (£404,000)
• Fourth round — €285,000 (£245,000)
• Third round — €187,000 (£161,000)
• Second round — €130,000 (£112,000)
• First round — €87,000 (£75,000)

Qualifying:

• Third round — €48,000 (£41,000)
• Second round — €33,000 (£28,000)
• First round — €24,000 (£21,000)