Jasmine Paolini joins top WTA and ATP players in criticizing French Open prize money, suggesting a potential boycott. Players demand higher payouts and better support for pensions and maternity benefits.
Key points
Jasmine Paolini joins top players in criticizing French Open prize money
Players demand a 22% revenue share from Grand Slams
Concerns include lack of pension and maternity benefits
Potential boycott of Grand Slams discussed among players
It was in March last year that a collection of highly-ranked players had demanded higher prize money from Grand Slams and a 22% revenue share to match tour standards. But with the French Open around the corner, many players remain dissatisfied with the changes made. A group of top 10 ATP and WTA stars have come together once again and voiced their disappointments over the prize money on offer at the Roland Garros. Another headline star joining them is Jasmine Paolini, who feels that the players could even boycott the Grand Slams if they all unite.
The Italian expressed support towards the players who have taken the stand against the Grand Slams. She also pointed out how the Slams donât directly contribute to player pension schemes and maternity benefits.
âItâs a topic that goes around, I think weâre doing this so that there is a better situation for players, especially on the issue of pensions and maternity. The Slams are not providing for it, while the WTA is. Thereâs this difference here, weâre fighting for that. The good thing is that we are all united, all in the same direction,â Paolini said during a press conference.
Additionally, the reigning Italian Open champion wants the Grand Slams to further increase the prize money and start contributing more towards the schemes made for the betterment of the players.
Q&A
What are the main concerns of players regarding French Open prize money?
Players are dissatisfied with the prize money offered at the French Open and demand a 22% revenue share to match tour standards.
Who is Jasmine Paolini and what is her stance on the Grand Slams?
Jasmine Paolini is an Italian WTA player who supports the call for higher prize money and suggests that players might boycott the Grand Slams if they unite.
What specific benefits are players seeking from the Grand Slams?
Players are seeking better contributions to player pension schemes and maternity benefits, which they feel the Grand Slams currently do not provide.
How are top players responding to the prize money situation at Grand Slams?
A group of top 10 ATP and WTA players, including Paolini, have united to voice their dissatisfaction and advocate for changes in prize money distribution.
Related Articles
Sports
El Athletic anuncia la renovaciĂłn de Yeray por dos temporadas
El Athletic Club renueva a Yeray por dos temporadas tras su suspensiĂłn.
Marca··1 min read
Sports
Why Red Bull isnât worried about Isack Hadjarâs Miami GP disaster
Red Bull isn't worried about Isack Hadjar's Miami GP struggles, citing mistakes from both sides.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
La justicia respalda a Luis Suårez tras mås de dos años sin ver a sus hijos
Marca·
MLB·Feature
Taking Wing: Sean Keys
Sean Keys is making waves in the Blue Jays' system with impressive stats in 2025.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Soccer·Feature
La peor pesadilla de un ex del Celta: "Mi mejor amigo me drogĂł y me hizo firmar un poder general"
Pape Cheikh revela que su mejor amigo lo drogĂł y lo obligĂł a firmar un poder general.
Marca··1 min read
Soccer·Transfer
Shocking news as European superclub now lead the race to sign Mo Salah
Shocking news: European superclub now leads the race to sign Mo Salah!
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
âThe Slams raise the prize money a little but not as a percentage of how much they earn more. But above all, they do not contribute to other issues. If we all agree, and in my opinion, we are, we could think of boycotting,â she added.
It was on Monday that a group of players had given a strong statement against the 9.5% increase and the total prize pool of $72.6 million for the French Open. They have confirmed that the amount didnât meet their expectations. According to them, the increase falls short when measured against the competitionâs revenue that keeps on growing every year.
âAs Roland Garros looks to post record revenues, players are therefore receiving a declining share of the value they help create. More critically, the announcement does nothing to address the structural issues that players have consistently and reasonably raised over the past year. There has been no engagement on player welfare and no progress towards establishing a formal mechanism for player consultation within Grand Slam decision-making,â a part of the statement read.
They highlighted that the Roland Garros had generated $463 million last year, which was a 14% increase in comparison to the previous figures. Despite the massive growth in revenue, the total prize money purse was only increased by 5.4%, reducing the playersâ share of revenue to 14.3%. The widening gap between revenue and the prize money has become a point of frustration among many players.
âWhile other major international sports are modernizing governance, aligning stakeholders, and building long-term value, the Grand Slams remain resistant to change. The absence of player consultation and the continued lack of investment in player welfare reflect a system that does not adequately represent the interests of those who are central to the sportâs success,â the statement further read.
Moreover, Aryna Sabalenka has now doubled down on this statement and has described the current situation as âreally unfairâ for the players.
Aryna Sabalenka in favor of boycotting Grand Slams over prize money share
âWithout us there wouldnât be a tournament and there wouldnât be that entertainment. I feel like definitely we deserve to be paid more percentage,â Sabalenka told reporters at the Italian Open.
She further warned that if the playersâ demands arenât met then they may consider boycotting tournaments.
April 29, 2026, Madrid, Madrid, Spain: ARYNA SABALENKA of belarus ĂĂą NIKE during the Mutua Madrid Open 2026, ATP, Tennis Herren Masters 1000 and WTA, Tennis Damen 1000, at La Caja Magica on April 28, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. Mutua Madrid Open 2026 press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz â Day 9 04.28.26 PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY â ZUMAc312 20260429_zsp_c312_011 Copyright: xOscarxManuelxSanchezx
April 29, 2026, Madrid, Madrid, Spain: ARYNA SABALENKA of belarus ĂĂą NIKE during the Mutua Madrid Open 2026, ATP, Tennis Herren Masters 1000 and WTA, Tennis Damen 1000, at La Caja Magica on April 28, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. Mutua Madrid Open 2026 press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz â Day 9 04.28.26 PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY â ZUMAc312 20260429_zsp_c312_011 Copyright: xOscarxManuelxSanchezx
âI think at some point we will boycott it, yeah. I feel like thatâs going to be the only way to fight for our rights. Letâs âsee how far we can get, if itâs going âto take players for boycott⊠Some of the things, I feel like itâs really unfair to the players. I think at some point itâs going to get to this,â she added.
With tensions among players constantly increasing and a clear dissatisfaction still being there, the battle over the French Open prize money seems far from settled.
Will the Grand Slams give in to the demands and announce an even higher increase in prize money, or will the players go on to boycott tournaments in the coming future?
