Jannik Sinner breaks silence on Grand Slam boycott threat by Aryna Sabalenka: 'It's more about respect'

Top‑ranked Jannik Sinner upheld the players’ stance on a potential Grand Slam boycott amid the French Open payout dispute, a subject on which the Italian had earlier voiced his ‘deep disappointment.

Earlier, Aryna Sabalenka had warned of a potential boycott of Grand Slam events and argued that participants deserved a higher pay percentage of the event's revenue.

The Belarusian's thoughts came after the Roland Garros organisers announced a 10% increase in the total prize pot for this year. But the athletes, however, feel they receive a much smaller share of the Grand Slam tournament’s revenues.

Sinner voices frustration

Sinner stressed the boycott threat over Grand Slam payouts is about respect as much as money and believes the players contribute far more than they receive in return, but the lack of respect affects not just the top stars but everyone.

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"It's more about respect, you know? Because ​I think we give much more than what we are getting back. It's not only for the top players, it's for all of us players.

"Of course, we talk about ​money. The most important is respect, and we just don't feel it," Sinner said ahead of the Italian Open in Rome.

The top-ranked Italian also argued that despite a year of discussions, there has been no reform, which makes the boycott talks understandable. He further added that the players may have to take stronger action to push for change and ensure fairness in the future.

"It's not nice that after one year we are not even close to conclusion of what we would like to have. So I do understand players talking about boycott 'cause it's somewhere we also need to start. Now it's been a very long time with this. ​Then we see in the ​future," Jannik added.

Djokovic backs Sabalenka's stance

After Sabalenka openly backed the boycott move, Novak Djokovic came out in support and expressed his thoughts on Aryna stepping up as a leader in the game. He admired Sabalenka's leadership and wants her to uphold the stance.

"I'm glad that there is willingness from the leaders of our sport, like ​Sabalenka, to really step up and really understand the dynamics of how the ​tennis politics ⁠works and understand the nuances and really what needs to be done not only for her benefit and well-being, but for everyone.

"That's true leadership for me, and I think she needs to maintain ⁠that. I ​salute that. That's all I have to say about that," Djokovic expressed.

The drama in tennis continues to advance, with the French Open Grand Slam just a few days away from May 18 to June 7, 2026, in Paris.