ROME — The conversation surrounding a potential boycott from top-ranked players Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner has sparked significant buzz.
However, it’s Jessica Pegula, the 2024 U.S. Open runner-up, who is quietly spearheading an initiative among elite tennis players to demand a larger share of tournament revenues for prize money.
This advocacy seems second nature for Pegula, who grew up in a sports-centric family with her parents owning the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and NHL’s Buffalo Sabres.
“I believe it does come naturally,” Pegula remarked, “since I’ve taken on a bit of a leadership role in these matters.”
This year, Pegula, currently ranked No. 5, was appointed to lead a new 13-member panel tasked with recommending revisions to the women’s tennis calendar, ranking point regulations, and eligibility criteria for competitions. Now, she is addressing the prize money dilemma as well.
“I’m not hesitant to approach any player and ask, ‘Are you interested in this or not?’” Pegula explained. “Some players are indifferent, while others are fully on board. I’ve reached out to contemporaries from both the men’s and women’s circuits.”
Recently, Sabalenka suggested that players consider a boycott to secure a larger share of tournament income, while Sinner criticized the lack of respect for athletes.
“Ultimately, it’s the players who hold the significant influence,” Pegula noted. “It’s encouraging to see Aryna and Jannik vocalize their support. Many other players share similar sentiments. However, having both No. 1s championing the cause is essential for drawing attention to our concerns.”
Declining Players’ Share in Paris
While players in the NFL and NHL enjoy approximately 50% of revenue, tennis events typically offer a much lower percentage. Reports suggest that the upcoming French Open will allocate less than 14.9% of its revenue to players, a drop from 15.5% in 2024, according to a statement from protesting players.
Though Roland Garros organizers announced a 10% increase in overall prize money to a total of €61.7 million (C$99 million), this is accompanied by an increase of just €5.3 million compared to last year. However, the athletes argue that the underlying figures present a starkly different picture.
“It’s shocking how large the discrepancy is,” Pegula remarked, drawing a comparison between tennis and the NFL. “While the two sports operate differently, tennis has remained entrenched in outdated practices. Change is often necessary, and sometimes it requires standing up for what’s right.”
Last year, the same group of players addressed the leaders of the four Grand Slams in a letter, advocating for enhanced compensation and a greater role in decision-making. Wimbledon has raised its 2025 prize pool by 7%, the U.S. Open by 20%, and the Australian Open by 16% this January.
Nonetheless, players argue that Grand Slam events are falling short, providing less than the 22% allocation seen at regular ATP and WTA Tour events.
“The Grand Slams have managed to get away with offering minimal payouts because we are an individual sport,” Pegula reflected. “It’s challenging to unite players in a way that collective sports teams can, given that we lack the financial security associated with a salary.”
French Open organizers, set to commence in less than two weeks, have yet to respond to inquiries for comment.
Wimbledon is expected to reveal its prize money next month, and Pegula said the players have yet to hear back from the All England Club.
“We intend to keep discussing these issues among ourselves,” she stated.
A major hurdle in tennis governance comes from the presence of seven organizing bodies: the four Grand Slams, the ATP, the WTA, and the International Tennis Federation.
“This fragmentation complicates unity within our sport,” Pegula explained. “That’s why it’s crucial for the top ten players, both men and women, to come together. I trust this will garner the attention of the Grand Slams.”
Before heading to Paris, Pegula is honing her skills on clay courts at the Italian Open, where she reached the quarterfinals after a 7-6 (6), 6-2 victory over Anastasia Potapova on Monday, following a swift 6-0, 6-0 win against Rebeka Masarova.
Next, she’ll face either three-time Rome champion Iga Swiatek or four-time Grand Slam titleholder Naomi Osaka.
Amid her matches and activism for prize money fairness, Pegula has also struggled to catch the Buffalo Sabres in their playoff quest for the first time in 15 years due to the time zone difference between the U.S. and Europe.
The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Sabres 6-2 in Game 3, taking a 2-1 lead in their second-round series.
“I’m really upset that I haven’t been able to watch any of the games,” Pegula expressed. “I would do anything to be at a playoff game. It’s my absolute favorite thing.”
