French Open staring at players' revolt? Tennis stars plan major media presence decision
Top players including Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff have publicly expressed disappointment over pay allocation at Grand Slams and the players seem set to revolt now.
French Open stars could cut short their media interactions as a form of protest over what they deem is insufficient prize money. According to The Guardian, players selected to take part in Friday’s opening press conference at Roland Garros will walk out after 15 minutes. Other players will also not do additional interviews with the tournament’s main media rights partners, TNT Sports and Eurosport.
French Open 2026 qualifiers are currently underway and the main draw will begin May 24. The tournament will go on till June 7. Top players including Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff have been at odds with all four Grand Slams over low prize money.
Players have studied rulebook to avoid breach of contract
The Guardian quoted a source close to the players as saying that the French Open confirmed this month this year’s prize pot will be €61.7 million ($72 million). The prize pool has reportedly increased by around 10%. Grand Slams allocate an average of 15% of their revenue for prize pool. However, players feel this is insufficient for tournaments of such scale.
More from Tennis NewsThe decision to cut short interviews at 15 minutes also stems from the fact that 15% of revenues is allocated to prize pool.
According to the report, the players have studied the rulebooks carefully and understood that they are only obliged to do a short interview with official broadcasters after the match. Cutting short press conference and avoiding other off-field interactions will not be considered a breach of contract.
"With estimated revenues of over 400 million euros for this year's tournament, prize money as a percentage of revenue will likely still be less than 15%, far short of the 22% that players have requested to bring the Grand Slams into line with the ATP and WTA Combined 1000 events," the players had said.
Players are also seeking better representation, health options and pensions from the four Grand Slam events.
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