World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and other top players have threatened to boycott the French Open, saying it may be the only way to force better revenue sharing after criticizing the tournament's 9.5% prize money increase.
Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, said during a press conference at the Italian Open that players may need to take stronger action. “I think at some point we will boycott it, yeah,” she stated. “I feel like that’s going to be the only way to fight for our rights.” She emphasized that players generate the entertainment and revenue but receive a declining share of the total purse, which rose only 5.4 percent despite a 14 percent revenue increase to $463 million last year. The threat builds on a player statement issued earlier this week criticizing the French Open's prize money announcement for failing to address structural issues or engage players on revenue sharing and welfare. Other Grand Slams have announced larger increases this year, yet players continue to compare their share unfavorably to other major sports leagues.