Tennis – World number 1 Aryna Sabalenka demands more money and threatens to boycott the Grand Slams

Aryna Sabalenka has criticized the revenue distribution at Grand Slam tournaments. Competing in Rome for the WTA 1000, the world number one believes that players do not receive a sufficient share of the revenue generated by the four major tournaments. The Belarusian player specifically mentioned the possibility of a boycott if no progress is made. However, she presented this option as a last resort, should discussions with the organizers fail.

Roland-Garros at the center of criticism

The debate directly concerns Roland-Garros. The Parisian tournament has announced a total prize purse of €61,7 million for the 2026 edition, representing a 9,5% increase. Despite this rise, several players believe that the share of revenue distributed to participants remains too low. According to figures presented by the players' collective, this share has fallen from 15,5% in 2024 to a projected 14,9% in 2026. The players are calling for a redistribution closer to... 22% of income, level observed in some major combined ATP-WTA tournaments.

A position shared by several leading figures

Sabalenka is not alone in this matter. Several major players on the circuit, including Novak DjokovicJannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff have already expressed their disagreement with the Grand Slams' revenue distribution policy. Their demands focus primarily on two points: a better share of the revenue and more regular consultation with the players on important decisions.

The players want to have more influence

Beyond prize money, players want to be more involved in matters that directly affect their sport: the calendar, match scheduling, recovery conditions, health, retirement, and the overall organization of the tour. They believe that the Grand Slams are experiencing strong commercial growth, particularly through television rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, and hospitality, without this growth being sufficiently reflected in the revenue paid to the athletes.

No boycott has been decided at this stage.

For now, no boycott has been officially announced. Sabalenka's statement is intended to exert public pressure before Roland-Garros. Discussions between player representatives and Grand Slam organizers therefore remain crucial. In the absence of an agreement, the issue could become one of the main points of contention this season.