Xplorich
A group of top tennis players, including Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, have raised concerns over prize money at the French Open, saying they feel “their deep disappointment” as talks with Grand Slam organisers continue.The clay-court tournament at Roland Garros is set to begin later this month in Paris. While organisers announced an increase of about 10% in total prize money to 61.7 million euros ($72.1 million), players said key issues remain unresolved. These include better representation, as well as concerns related to health and pensions.In a statement issued on Monday, the players pointed to a drop in their share of tournament revenue.“Players’ share of Roland Garros tournament revenue has declined from 15.5% in 2024 to 14.9% projected in 2026,” the group said.Under the current structure, singles winners will earn 2.8 million euros, while runners-up will get 1.4 million euros. Semifinalists will receive 750,000 euros, and players losing in the first round will earn 87,000 euros. Doubles winners will get 600,000 euros, and mixed doubles champions will receive 122,000 euros.Despite the increase in overall prize money, players said “the underlying figures tell a very different story,” arguing that their share is going down compared to the value they help generate.“According to tournament officials, Roland Garros generated 395 million euros in revenue in 2025, a 14% year-on-year increase, yet prize money rose by just 5.4%, reducing players’ share of revenue to 14.3%,” they said. “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.“French Open organisers have not yet responded to the players’ latest statement.The same group had earlier written to the heads of the four Grand Slam tournaments last year, asking for higher prize money and more involvement in “decisions that directly impact us.”The statement was released by a communications firm on behalf of the original signatories. It later clarified that Novak Djokovic was not among those who signed this latest statement.The players said they remain “united in their desire to see meaningful progress, both in terms of fair financial distribution and in how the sport is governed.” They also said there has been no response to their proposals on welfare issues such as pensions and long-term health.They added that there has been no progress “on fair and transparent player representation within Grand Slam decision-making.”“While other major international sports are modernizing governance, aligning stakeholders, and building long-term value, the Grand Slams remain resistant to change,” they said. “The absence of player consultation and the continued lack of investment in player welfare reflect a system that does not adequately represent the interests of those who are central to the sport’s success.”
