No 1 Sabalenka calls for boycott if players don't get bigger cut of Grand Slam revenues

TL;DR

Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka advocates for a boycott of Grand Slam tournaments if players do not receive a larger share of revenues. She and other leading players expressed disappointment over the declining percentage of prize money relative to tournament revenues.

Key points

Aryna Sabalenka calls for a boycott of Grand Slams
Players demand a larger share of tournament revenues
French Open prize money increased by 10% for 2024
Players' share of revenue projected to decline
Players seek better representation and health options

Aryna SabalenkaJannik SinnerFrench OpenAustralian Open

ROME (AP) — Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka believes tennis players should organize a boycott if they don’t start receiving a bigger share of tournament revenues at the Grand Slams. Sabalenka and fellow No. 1 Jannik Sinner were among leading players — most of them ranked in the top 10 — who issued a statement on Monday expressing “deep disappointment” over the French Open prize money. “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,” Sabalenka said on Tuesday at the Italian Open as she celebrated her 28th birthday. “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.” The players are also seeking better representation, health options and pensions from the four Grand Slam tournaments: Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open. French Open organizers announced last month they were increasing overall prize money by about 10% for an overall pot of 61.7 million euros ($72.1 million), with the total amount up 5.3 million euros from last year. But the players’ statement said “the underlying figures tell a very different story,” claiming they will receive a smaller share of tournament revenues. “Players’ share of Roland Garros tournament revenue has declined from 15.5% in 2024 to 14.9% projected in 2026,” the players said. Iga Swiatek, a four-time French Open champion, said “the most important thing is to have proper communication and discussions with the governing bodies so we have some space to talk and maybe negotiate. “Hopefully before Roland Garros there’s going to be opportunity to have these type of meetings and we’ll see how they go,” Swiatek added. “But boycotting the tournament, it’s a bit extreme kind of situation.” French Open organizers did not respond to a request for comment after the players issued their statement. \\_ AP tennis:

Q&A

What did Aryna Sabalenka say about Grand Slam prize money?

Aryna Sabalenka stated that players should consider a boycott if they do not receive a larger share of tournament revenues, emphasizing their importance to the events.

How much is the prize money for the French Open in 2024?

The overall prize money for the French Open in 2024 is set to be 61.7 million euros, which is an increase of about 10% from the previous year.

What are the players demanding from Grand Slam tournaments?

Players are seeking better representation, health options, pensions, and a larger share of tournament revenues from the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and U.S. Open.