Tennis stars consider boycotting French Open due to prize money concerns

Tennis Players Threaten Boycott of French Open Over Prize Money

A group of top women’s tennis players, including world number one Aryna Sabalenka and fourth-ranked Coco Gauff, have issued a warning that they will boycott the upcoming French Open if their demands for increased prize money are not met. The statement comes as negotiations between the players and Roland Garros organizers over prize money distribution continue.

The players claim that they will receive less than 15% of tournament revenue, which is significantly lower than the 22% demanded by the group. This year’s French Open offers a 10% increase in overall prize money, but the players argue that it still falls short of their demands.

Sabalenka stated that she believes the only way to fight for the players’ rights is through a boycott, and that “some point we will get there.” Gauff expressed support for the threat, saying that it’s not about individual players, but about the future of the sport and ensuring that all players are fairly compensated.

The French Open prize money increase still lags behind other Grand Slam tournaments. The US Open offered $90m last year, while Wimbledon paid out $72.51m and the Australian Open provided a record $80.06m this year.

Gauff suggested that forming a union could be key to achieving their demands, citing the recent success of the WNBA basketball players’ union in reaching a collective bargaining deal after nearly 17 months of negotiations. Sabalenka echoed her sentiments, stating that the players deserve more prize money and that “without us there wouldn’t be a tournament.”

Source: Al Jazeera