Aryna Sabalenka delivers stern boycott warning over pay dispute with Grand Slams: 'Only way to fight'

Aryna Sabalenka has ignited a major storm after warning of a potential boycott if tennis players do not receive a larger portion of the Grand Slam tournament revenues. The world number one's frustration stemmed from the French Open prize money announcement as top performers expressed 'deep disappointment' over the lower share among participants. 

The French Open organisers announced a 10% increase in the overall prize money of 61.7 million euros ($72.1 million), a 5.3 million euros ($6.2 million) jump from last year. The players, however, have claimed that despite the increase in the prize pot, they receive a much lesser share of the Grand Slam tournament's revenues.

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The players added that their share of the French Open's revenue has dropped from 15.5% in 2024 to 14.9% in 2026, marking a major decline in participants' payout.

Sabalenka calls for boycott over pay dispute

On Tuesday, Sabalenka argued that Grand Slam participants deserve a higher pay percentage, as there would be no tournament without them. The Belarusian added that a potential boycott is possible if that is the only way for the players to fight for their rights.

“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. 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,” Sabalenka said at the Italian Open.

Gauff, Rybakina back boycott call

Women’s tennis players echoed Sabalenka’s concerns over Grand Slam payouts, with defending champion Coco Gauff saying that a boycott would be imminent if the organisers did not accept their demands, and every player had to move as one. She also cited becoming 'unionised in some way' to achieve better in a coalition.

Two-time Grand Slam champion Elena Rybakina and Jasmine Paolini have also echoed similar thoughts over a potential boycott, saying they would be ready to join the movement. Iga Swiatek, however, believes boycotting the tournament would be an extreme step.

The French Open is yet to address the situation, and the clay-court tournament kicks off on May 24 at Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France.