Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka issue statement as 20 tennis stars hit out at French Open prize money

A group of 20 tennis players, including Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, have issued a joint statement raising concerns over pay ahead of the upcoming French Open.

Ahead of the Roland Garros tournament, which gets underway later this month, the players have made it clear they are unhappy with the prize money on offer — despite organisers announcing a 9.5 per cent increase to a total of £52.6 million. Each men’s and women’s singles champion will receive £2.4 million.

However, the debate around pay continues, with players arguing that the prize fund is effectively shrinking as a share of overall tournament revenue across the four majors — the US Open, Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon.

“Roland Garros generated €395m in revenue in 2025, a 14% year-on-year increase, yet prize money rose by only 5.4%, reducing players’ share of revenue to 14.3%,” 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.

“More critically, the announcement does nothing to address the structural issues that players have consistently and reasonably raised over the past year. There has been no engagement on player welfare and no progress towards establishing a formal mechanism for player consultation within Grand Slam decision-making.

“The Grand Slams remain resistant to change. The absence of player consultation and the continued lack of investment in player welfare reflect a system that does not adequately represent the interests of those who are central to the sport’s success.”

Following Sunday’s Madrid Open, where world No.1 Sinner defeated Alexander Zverev in the final, the tour now moves to the Italian Open before the second major of the season begins on May 18.

Djokovic and Sinner headline the men’s singles event, although world No.2 and reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz will miss the tournament due to a wrist injury.

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)