Aryna Sabalenka thinks players might have to boycott future Grand Slams

TL;DR

Aryna Sabalenka suggests that players may need to boycott future Grand Slams due to dissatisfaction with revenue sharing. Players are set to receive only 15% of the revenue at the French Open, significantly lower than their requested 22%.

Key points

Aryna Sabalenka is WTA World No. 1.
Players may need to boycott Grand Slams for better revenue share.
Current revenue share for players at French Open is 15%.
Players have requested 22% revenue share from Grand Slams.

Aryna SabalenkaFrench Open

WTA World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka made a strong and bold statement in her Tuesday news conference at the Italian Open.

Sabalenka was addressing the players’ dissatisfaction with their revenue share at the upcoming French Open. She hinted that a player boycott of Grand Slams may be necessary for players to be heard.

The players are expected to receive nearly 15% of the revenue share from the upcoming French Open at Roland Garros. This is far below the 22% they have requested from the four Grand Slams.

MORE: TNT Sports has been unexpectedly mum on 2026 French Open coverage

Would players really boycott Grand Slams?

Sabalenka’s strong language will cause the Grand Slams, ATP and WTA Tour officials to take notice.

Is it likely to happen? While it is difficult to predict, especially since the players are independent contractors and not unionized, it seems unlikely.

Even if the top ranked players would boycott, there are others within the Top 100 and beyond who would be eager to play because the tournament winnings would make their seasaons more profitable than they otherwise would be.

MORE: Former WTA World No. 1 Ash Barty answers quickly when asked about a tennis comeback

Presumably Sabalenka is thinking that fans would not come if the top tennis players did not play. That could be possible, but the boycott would have to be organized, orchestrated, and announced well in advance of ticket sales which happen months before the Grand Slam tournaments begin.

The players have a right to be upset. These issues have been going on for years.

Q&A

Why is Aryna Sabalenka suggesting a boycott of Grand Slams?

Sabalenka is advocating for a boycott due to players' dissatisfaction with the revenue share, which is currently set at 15% for the French Open, below their requested 22%.

What percentage of revenue are players currently receiving at the French Open?

Players are expected to receive nearly 15% of the revenue share at the upcoming French Open.

What percentage of revenue do players want from Grand Slam tournaments?

Players are requesting a revenue share of 22% from the four Grand Slam tournaments.