Jannik Sinner adds voice to French Open prize money protests

ROME -- The top tennis players are already upset they are not receiving a bigger share of tournament revenues at the French Open. Now they're hoping Wimbledon and the US Open respond to their demands, according to Jannik Sinner.

Fellow No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka said this week the players should consider a boycott.

"It's more about respect. Because I think we give much more than what we are getting back," Sinner said Thursday at the Italian Open. "It's not only for the top players; it's for all of us players."

Sinner wouldn't commit to a boycott.

"It's tough to say," he said. "I cannot predict the future in a way. But in the same time I also believe that somewhere we need to start."

The players have targeted the upcoming French Open for reducing players' share of revenue to an alleged 15% -- compared to the 22% at ATP and WTA events like the Italian Open this week.

The same group of players sent a letter a year ago to the heads of the four Grand Slams seeking more prize money and a greater say in decision-making. Wimbledon increased its 2025 total pot by 7%, the U.S. Open by 20% and the Australian Open in January by 16%.

"It's not nice that after one year we are not even close to conclusion of what we would like to have," Sinner said. "I truly believe that within 48 hours you have not only a response but you also have a meeting."

French Open organizers announced last month they were increasing overall prize money by about 10% for an overall pot of 61.7 million euros ($72.1 million), with the total amount up 5.3 million euros from last year. But the players' statement said "the underlying figures tell a very different story," claiming they will receive a smaller share of tournament revenues.

The players claim their share of Roland Garros revenue has declined from 15.5% in 2024 to 14.9% projected in 2026.

Wimbledon has not yet announced its prize money for this year.

"I think in the next couple of weeks we know also the prize money we're going to have in Wimbledon. We truly hope that it's going to be better. Then, of course, US Open," Sinner said.

Including profit-sharing and an end-of-the-year bonus pool, men's players actually get about 30% of the share of revenues at ATP Tour events like the Italian Open.

"We've been quiet for a long time and now the time has come to raise our voice," Sinner added in Italian. "We're not asking for 50% -- we wouldn't even dare -- but right now we're getting too little."

French Open organizers have not responded to requests for comment.

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