Why Aryna Sabalenka’s $114,000 jewellery sparked hypocrisy debate at French Open

World No 1 Arya Sabalenka's $114,000-worth of jewellery is making news at the French Open, not because it's eye-catching or expensive, but because some feel it collides with her stance on the Grand Slams prize money debate. The 28-year-old Sabalenka has been using her influence strongly over the last few weeks as she threatened that top players may boycott tennis majors if prize money purses are not increased.

The controversy broke out after the French Open increased the prize money pot by 10%, but overall, the share of prize money is expected to be less than 14% of the total revenue. With players being the biggest stars of the show, Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner, Coco Gauff and many others are demanding higher prize money.

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The players have also decided to reduce their media presence at the ongoing Roland Garros to register their protest and Sabalenka led by example on Friday when she engaged in only 15 minutes of media duties, sticking to the limit the players have agreed to.

Aryna Sabalenka accused of hypocrisy over $114,000 necklace

But Sabalenka, wearing a glittering necklace that costs £85,000 during her first round match against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro on Tuesday, has created a new controversy. While Belarusian Sabalenka stormed to a 6-4, 6-2 victory, her critics have called out the tennis star for 'hypocrisy'.

The detractors have claimed that Sabalenka donning expensive jewelry is in direct clash with her stance that top tennis players are getting paid less than what they deserve. Some felt Sabalenka's jewelry would be counterproductive and weaken her own mission.

Sabalenka, meanwhile, has defended herself vehemently, arguing that the prize money fight is not about her, but the lower-ranked players who are paid measly amounts for participating in the tournaments.

"It's not about me, it's about the players who are lower in the ranking. It's not easy to live in this tennis world with that percentage they are earning. As the World No. 1, I have to fight for those players," Sabalenka said.

With Sabalenka being the second-highest paid women's athlete in 2025 at $30 million in earnings, it's no surprise that she can afford a $114,000-worth necklace. And it also shouldn't dilute her push for a higher prize money just because she can afford something precious.

The fact that prize money of Slams is less than 15% of its total revenue is highly disturbing, and Sabalenka's jewelry must not become the focus for tennis critics, experts, fans and stakeholders when there are bigger things to achieve.