World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has backed growing calls for a possible boycott of the upcoming French Open amid an escalating dispute over prize money and revenue sharing between players and tournament organisers.
Sinner said players believe they are not receiving fair compensation despite contributing significantly to the commercial success of Grand Slam tournaments.
His remarks come after leading stars including Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff also expressed support for stronger action if negotiations fail.
Players Demand Bigger Share of Tournament Revenue
The controversy intensified after Roland Garros organisers announced a 9.5 percent increase in total prize money for the 2026 edition, taking the payout to 61.7 million euros.
However, players argued that their share of tournament revenue has actually declined. According to player representatives, athletes received 15.5 percent of tournament revenue in 2025, while the projected share for 2026 is expected to fall to 14.9 percent.
Top-ranked men’s and women’s players are reportedly seeking a 22 percent share of tournament revenue.
‘We Give Much More Than We Get Back’: Sinner
Speaking during a media interaction in Rome, Sinner said the issue extends beyond money and is also about respect for players.
According to Sinner:
“We give much more than what we are getting back. It’s not only for the top players, it’s for all players.”
He added that many athletes feel their concerns have not been addressed adequately despite ongoing discussions with Grand Slam organisers over the past year.
Sinner also stated that players understand why boycott discussions have emerged, especially since negotiations have not produced meaningful progress.
Sabalenka Warns Boycott Could Become Reality
Earlier this week, Aryna Sabalenka warned that players could eventually boycott the French Open if concerns regarding revenue distribution and treatment are not resolved.
Sabalenka said stronger collective action may become necessary if discussions continue to stall.
Despite the growing frustration, players remain hopeful that an agreement can still be reached before the tournament begins.
French Open Prize Money Still Trails Other Grand Slams
Although the French Open increased its prize pool for 2026, the tournament still offers lower overall payouts compared to other Grand Slam events.
Recent figures show:
- US Open distributed around $90 million in prize money last year
- Wimbledon Championships paid approximately $53.5 million
- Australian Open announced a record prize pool of $80.6 million this year
The financial gap has become a major point of concern for players, who argue that tennis generates enormous global revenue while athletes receive a comparatively smaller share.
Debate Over Revenue Sharing Intensifies in Tennis
The ongoing dispute highlights wider tensions within professional tennis regarding revenue distribution, player welfare and governance structures.
Many leading players have argued that athletes are central to the sport’s global popularity and deserve a greater percentage of tournament earnings.
With the French Open approaching, the discussions between players and organisers are expected to remain a major talking point across the tennis world.
