Tennis world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, has warned that players could boycott the French Open if their prize money demands are not met, with Coco Gauff also supporting the potential move.
The threat intensifies the ongoing dispute between players and Roland Garros organisers over prize money distribution, despite a 9.5 per cent increase that has taken this year’s total purse to €61.7 million.
On Monday, several top players issued a joint statement noting they are still expected to receive less than 15 per cent of the tournament’s revenue, far below the 22 per cent they are pushing for to align with combined ATP Tour and WTA Tour 1000 events.
Speaking to reporters at the Italian Open, Sabalenka suggested a boycott could become unavoidable if negotiations fail.
“I think at some point we will boycott it (the tournament), yeah. I feel like that’s going to be the only way to fight for our rights.
“Let’s see how far we can get, if it’s going to take players for boycott… Some of the things, I feel like it’s really unfair to the players. I think at some point it’s going to get to this.
However, she expressed hope that discussions would eventually lead to a resolution acceptable to all parties.
“I just really hope that all of the negotiation that we are having, we at some point are going to get to the right decision, to the conclusion that everyone will be happy with,” she added.
