French Open Boycott? Jannik Sinner And Aryna Sabalenka Lead Calls For Increase In Prize Money

Last Updated:May 08, 2026, 11:50 IST

Jannik Sinner says some players may boycott the French Open over low prize money, backed by Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, as Novak Djokovic praises Sabalenka’s leadership

World number one Jannik Sinner said on Thursday that some players have threatened to boycott the French Open if prize money is not increased, as they feel they are not being respected.

Fellow top-ranked player Aryna Sabalenka and defending Roland Garros champion Coco Gauff backed the drastic step on Tuesday, saying players are likely to receive less than 15% of tournament revenue, well below the 22% they have demanded.

Tensions between French Open organisers and players escalated after the tournament announced a 9.5% increase in prize money to 61.7 million euros ($72.19 million).

In a statement, players said their share of tournament revenue had fallen from 15.5% in 2024 to a projected 14.9% in 2026.

“It’s more about respect, you know? Because I think we give much more than what we are getting back. It’s not only for the top players, it’s for all of us players," Sinner told reporters ahead of the Italian Open in Rome.

“Of course, we talk about money. The most important is respect, and we just don’t feel it."

Sinner said the issue remains unresolved despite top-10 ranked men and women sending a letter to the Grand Slam organisers last year, requesting a larger share of revenue.

“It’s not nice that after one year we are not even close to conclusion of what we would like to have," he said.

“So I do understand players talking about boycott ’cause it’s somewhere we also need to start. Now it’s been a very long time with this. Then we see in the future."

Djokovic Salutes Sabalenka’s Leadership

Novak Djokovic also supported Sabalenka’s comments, praising her for emerging as a leader.

“I’m glad that there is willingness from the leaders of our sport, like Sabalenka, to really step up and really understand the dynamics of how the tennis politics works and understand the nuances and really what needs to be done not only for her benefit and well-being, but for everyone," he said.

“That’s a true leadership for me and I think she needs to maintain that. I salute that. That’s all I have to say about that."

Djokovic, who has been vocal about players’ issues throughout his career, was one of the founders of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), which said the dispute over French Open prize money shows that the sport needs reform.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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