Tennis Prize Money Dispute: Fritz, Sinner, Sabalenka Lead French Open Protest

Tennis stars limit media duties at Roland Garros over pay

Tennis players are protesting at Roland Garros over prize money, saying they receive only 15% of revenue. French Open organizers say they won't budge on pay.

Aryna Sabalenka and Taylor Fritz say lower-ranked players are driving the push for fairer pay, as the 2026 French Open raises singles prize to €2.8m...

World number eight Taylor Fritz said on Friday that players feel their concerns over prize money have been ignored by Grand Slam organizers. That frustration has led to a planned protest at the French Open, with Jannik Sinner saying the issue is about respect.

Most of the top 10 players will cut back on media duties at the clay-court major, which starts Sunday at Roland Garros. The move comes in response to what they see as prize money that is too low.

The players say they currently receive around 15% of revenue from the Slams and want that share raised to 22%.

Sinner with STRONG words about the Grand Slam prize money and the possible boycott.

“It’s all about respect. We give much more than we are getting from them” pic.twitter.com/arYNv5LWUo

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) May 7, 2026

“It's not about wanting more money. It's about just wanting what's fair,” Fritz told reporters in Paris.

“We have been pretty patient and mild with, I'd say, our requests, and I think all of us feel it's a bit disrespectful to just be ignored when the sport is the healthiest, when I think there is a very fair partnership and open dialogue between the players and the tournaments.”

Sinner repeated his earlier call from Rome this month, urging organizers to show players more respect.

“I think it's something good because without us events are not possible to play,” said the world number one and red-hot French Open title favourite.

“It's about the respect. We have to wait for over a year for just a small response... the best 10 players - it's not nice.”

Women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka said at the Italian Open that players could consider boycotting the sport’s four majors. She named the Australian Open, French Open, US Open and Wimbledon as the tournaments they might skip to defend their rights.

Fritz said a boycott has not been seriously discussed among the players. He added that it has not been ruled out as a possible option down the line.

“Something does have to change if we are ignored, so that's a conversation to have, I think,” said the American when asked about a potential boycott.

“Right now I'm not ready to start tossing that around, because I want to really mean it if I'm going to say it.”

Sabalenka said she was joining the protest to support players ranked lower down the field.

“It's not easy to live in this tennis world with the percentage that we are earning,” said the Belarusian.

“But as a world number one, I feel like I have to stand up and fight for those players, for lower-level players, especially those who are coming back after injuries, the upcoming next generation.”

Reigning women's champion Coco Gauff was timing the length of her press conference and said: “This is the first real point of action that we've done. Yeah, I think I'm proud that we were all able to get on the same page.”

Novak Djokovic said he was not taking part in the protest.

Organisers Unmoved on Prize Money, Players Say

French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said on Thursday that Roland Garros would not change its stance on prize money.

Andrey Rublev criticized the lack of communication from organizers. The Russian, who has reached 10 Grand Slam quarter-finals, said players’ concerns have been raised but not addressed.

“They don't hear you. They don't answer,” said the 28-year-old.

“When you send the mail in, no one responds to official mail for months, it's like - and we are doing the same thing.

“Come on, guys. We are together, or you completely don't care that much that you cannot even communicate.”

Iga Swiatek said she was joining the protest as well. Under the action, players will limit media sessions to 15 minutes. That time limit was chosen to represent the 15% of revenue they say they currently receive.

“We have nothing against media, obviously,” said the four-time women's French Open champion.

“I feel like we will do more when the tournament will do more for us.”

Women’s world number eight Mirra Andreeva said the players are united in pushing the Grand Slams to act.

“I do think that we have a reason behind it, and I do think that all of us are, as I said, united and all of that,” said the 19-year-old.

The winners of the 2026 French Open men’s and women’s singles will each receive 2.8 million euros, about £2.4 million. That’s an increase from 2.55 million euros, or £2.2 million, paid out last year.

Roland Garros offers more prize money than the Australian Open. However, its total purse is still lower than what players receive at Wimbledon and the US Open.