Aryna Sabalenka threatens grand slam boycott over prize money row

TL;DR

Aryna Sabalenka has proposed a boycott of Grand Slam tournaments to demand a larger share of prize money for players. This follows discontent expressed by top players over current revenue distribution.

Key points

Aryna Sabalenka is the top-ranked women's tennis player.
She suggested a boycott of Grand Slam tournaments.
The proposal aims for a larger share of prize money for players.
Leading players have expressed disappointment over prize money distribution.
Sabalenka emphasized the importance of players in tournament success.

Aryna SabalenkaJannik SinnerFrench OpenGrand Slam tournaments

Sabalenka has suggested tennis players may need to boycott Grand Slam events to get a larger share of the prize money (Getty)

Top-ranked women’s tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has suggested a potential boycott of grand slam tournaments if players do not begin to receive a larger share of the revenue.

Her comments follow a statement of "deep disappointment" from leading players, including fellow world No 1 Jannik Sinner, regarding French Open prize money.

Speaking at the Italian Open on her 28th birthday, Sabalenka asserted: "Without us there wouldn’t be a tournament and there wouldn’t be that entertainment. I feel like definitely we deserve to be paid more percentage."

She added, "I think at some point we will boycott it. I feel like that’s going to be the only way to fight for our rights."

Players are also advocating for improved representation, health provisions, and pensions across all four grand slam events: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.

Iga Swiatek indicated she would not be in favour of boycotting Grand Slam tournaments (Reuters)

While French Open organisers announced a 10 per cent increase in overall prize money last month, bringing the total to 61.7 million euros (£53.3 million), the players’ statement argued that "the underlying figures tell a very different story."

Q&A

What did Aryna Sabalenka say about a potential Grand Slam boycott?

Aryna Sabalenka suggested that tennis players might need to boycott Grand Slam events to secure a larger share of the prize money.

Why are tennis players unhappy with the prize money distribution?

Top players, including Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner, expressed deep disappointment over the current prize money allocation, particularly concerning the French Open.

What is Aryna Sabalenka's stance on player compensation in tennis?

Sabalenka believes that players deserve a higher percentage of the revenue generated by tournaments, emphasizing their role in creating entertainment.