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Tennis
Coco Gauff responds to Aryna Sabalenka’s comments on potential Grand Slam boycott
TL;DR
Coco Gauff has indicated that a boycott of Grand Slams may be considered if prize money issues persist, following comments from Aryna Sabalenka. Iga Swiatek, however, advocates for discussions with tournament organizers instead of endorsing a boycott.
Key points
- Coco Gauff discusses potential Grand Slam boycott
- Aryna Sabalenka suggests a boycott is possible
- Iga Swiatek calls for talks with tournament organizers
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
Prize money remains a topic of ongoing debate in tennis, and it was put to several top players at the Italian Open whether boycotting Grand Slams could become an option.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka suggested that a boycott is possible down the line, while Coco Gauff believes it could become a serious consideration if prize money concerns remain unaddressed.
Iga Swiatek, meanwhile, stopped short of endorsing such action. Instead, she emphasised the need for further talks with tournament organisers to address the ongoing disputes.
Coco Gauff open to Grand Slam boycott if tennis stars are united
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
Gauff was first asked about where she stood on Sabalenka’s comments and whether a boycott was possible.
She responded:
“Yeah, honestly, I kind of agree with that, just taking what the WNBA kind of accomplished. They also have a union, so I think that helps.”
“I definitely think, from the things I’ve seen with other sports, usually to make massive progress and things like this, it takes a union. Yeah, we have to become unionized in some way.
“Yeah, I mean, I think you can put pressure on media, media pressure and things like that.
“For all of us showing up everyone’s going to act as normal.
“I definitely agree with her on that standpoint. I think a few other players agree too.”
Gauff said she hasn’t been part of any direct talks about boycotting but made it clear she’d be open to it if there was strong backing across the board.
When asked for her perspective on some of the biggest challenges facing tennis players today, Gauff pointed to income gaps outside the top ranks.
The French Open has increased prize money this year but still falls short of what players feel is fair compared to overall revenues.
How ATP Players can match the Grand Slam pressure from the WTA
The women’s side have already spoken out, especially during Italian Open media day, making it clear where they stand.
Now it’s up to the men. When they get the same questions, they can’t afford to avoid them.
Sabalenka and Gauff both said that nothing changes without everyone standing together on this issue.
When Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic take questions before the tournament, their responses need to back what their WTA colleagues have already said.
The big question now is whether players will actually come together on this issue. We’ll just have to wait and see.
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Q&A
What did Coco Gauff say about a potential Grand Slam boycott?
Coco Gauff stated that a boycott of Grand Slams could be a serious consideration if prize money concerns are not addressed.
Who suggested that a Grand Slam boycott might be possible?
World number one Aryna Sabalenka suggested that a boycott of Grand Slams could be a possibility in the future.
What is Iga Swiatek's stance on the Grand Slam boycott discussion?
Iga Swiatek emphasized the importance of further discussions with tournament organizers rather than supporting a boycott.
