Leading stars, including top-ranked Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, voiced their profound dissatisfaction with the French Open prize money on Monday.
The elite players, primarily from the ATP and WTA top 10, stressed that their additional requests, such as enhanced representation, health benefits, and pension security, remain unaddressed by officials from the four Grand Slam events.
Last month, organizers announced a 10 percent increase in overall prize money, totaling 61.7 million euros (approximately US$72.1 million), with an added 5.3 million euros compared to the previous year.
However, the players contended that “the actual figures tell a contrasting tale,” asserting that they would receive a dwindling portion of the tournament’s income.
“The share of Roland Garros tournament revenue attributed to players dropped from 15.5 percent in 2024 to an anticipated 14.9 percent by 2026,” the athletes announced.
“Despite Roland Garros reporting a revenue of 395 million euros in 2025, reflecting a 14 percent increase from the previous year, prize money only saw a modest rise of 5.4 percent, reducing the players’ share to 14.3 percent.
“With revenue projections exceeding 400 million euros for this year’s tournament, the prize money as a percentage of revenue is expected to stay below 15 percent, significantly lower than the 22 percent the players have requested to align the Grand Slams with the ATP and WTA Combined 1000 events.”
No immediate response was received from the French Open organizers regarding these concerns.
This year, the Australian Open raised player compensation by 16 percent, while last year’s U.S. Open prize money surged by 20 percent.
The same group of players previously issued a letter to the heads of the four Grand Slams a year ago, advocating for increased prize money and a greater influence in “decisions that directly impact us.” However, the communications firm that released Monday’s statement clarified it was on behalf of the original signatories, noting that Novak Djokovic did not endorse the new statement.
The players affirmed their commitment to securing substantial advancements regarding equitable financial distribution and governance within the sport.
They highlighted the lack of response to their proposals concerning welfare, including pensions and long-term health, and lamented the unmade progress “on fair and transparent player representation within Grand Slam decision-making.”
“While other major international sports are evolving in governance, aligning stakeholders, and creating long-term value, the Grand Slams hesitate to adapt. The ongoing lack of player consultation and investments in player welfare illustrate a system that fails to adequately represent the interests of those pivotal to the sport’s success.”
Play is set to commence on May 24 at Roland Garros.
