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Emma Raducanu distances herself from Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauffâs boycott calls
TL;DR
Emma Raducanu has distanced herself from the boycott calls made by Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff regarding Grand Slams. The discussion around a potential boycott has gained significant traction in the tennis community.
Key points
- Emma Raducanu distances herself from boycott calls
- Aryna Sabalenka initiated the boycott discussion
- Boycott momentum is growing in the tennis community
Photo by Flaviu Buboi/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Emma Raducanu has been asked for her thoughts on the possibility of players boycotting the Grand Slams, and her response probably wonât have gone down well with Aryna Sabalenka or Coco Gauff.
Sabalenka brought up the idea before the Italian Open, making it a topic thatâs quickly gained momentum within the sport.
The threat of a boycott now feels more real than ever. While thereâs still plenty of uncertainty around how it might play out, thereâs little doubt that this issue isnât going away anytime soon.
But comments like Emma Raducanuâs certainly wonât be helping their case. She was asked about a potential boycott by Sky Sports and gave a response that fell short of supporting one.
Emma Raducanu pushes back against Aryna Sabalenkaâs boycott claim
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images
Sabalenka may have warned of a possible boycott, but Raducanu quickly dismissed the idea.
Before pulling out of the Italian Open due to illness, Raducanu explained that sheâd always choose to play in the majors because âto me, they are tennis.â
She went on to tell BBC Sport: âIt gives you something that money canât and that is what is the most important to me, and what I value the most.
Raducanuâs stance highlights a split in opinion over how best to address financial concerns in the sport.
Coco Gauff had previously said sheâd consider joining a boycott if enough players backed it. However, Raducanuâs comments suggest there isnât yet widespread support for such action.
Why Aryna Sabalenka believes players should boycott Grand Slams
Aryna Sabalenkaâs call for a boycott comes down to one core issue â players are underpaid compared to other major sports, and her argument carries some weight.
In sports like baseball and basketball, players receive around 50% of total revenue. In contrast, tennis offers far less. For instance, Roland Garros pays out just 14.9% to players.
âI think at some point we will boycott it,â Sabalenka said during her media day ahead of the Italian Open. âI feel like thatâs going to be the only way to kind of fight for our rights.
âI feel like the show is on us. I feel like without us, there wouldnât be a tournament, and there wouldnât be that entertainment.
âI just really hope that we at some point are going to get to the right decision, to the conclusion that everyone will be happy with.â
This isnât just about prize money for those at the top of the game; itâs also about creating better financial conditions for lower-ranked players who often struggle outside of major events.
The Belarusian isnât alone in this view. Ons Jabeur has also spoken up about fairness in tournament schedules and how limited player input can negatively affect their wellbeing.
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Q&A
What did Emma Raducanu say about the Grand Slam boycott?
Emma Raducanu distanced herself from the boycott calls made by Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, indicating she does not support the idea.
Who initiated the discussion about a Grand Slam boycott?
The discussion about a Grand Slam boycott was initiated by Aryna Sabalenka before the Italian Open.
Why is there a growing momentum for a boycott in tennis?
The momentum for a boycott in tennis is driven by ongoing uncertainties and concerns among players regarding the treatment and conditions at Grand Slam events.