Elena Rybakina and Emma Raducanu gave contrasting answers when asked about their thoughts on the players’ boycott on the French Open media day on Friday. Several leading men’s and women’s players left their press conferences at the 15-minute mark on Friday in protest against the four Grand Slams.
Elena Rybakina and Emma Raducanu Give Contrasting Answers to Media Boycott Question
Players are protesting the prize money and the revenue-sharing they receive at Grand Slams. They believe that, with the four Grand Slams making record profits, players should be better compensated.
They are looking to receive around 22% of the revenue, which is still less than what athletes in several other big sports receive. They believe they are the main reason the Grand Slams posted record revenue. Meetings between player representatives and Grand Slams are planned to take place during the French Open.
Raducanu was asked whether she participated in Friday’s protest during her press conference. The 23-year-old made it clear that she was not a part of the boycott, and the prestige and history of competing at Grand Slams matter more to her than money.
“Why wouldn’t I want to be talking to you guys for more than 15 minutes? For me, it’s part of what we do. I understand the position of the players compared to the other sports, the percentage is lower. But I’ve just been focused on trying to get myself at a level, operating well and playing a Grand Slam isn’t necessarily about the money, it’s a lot more about prestige, about the history. That’s what I value the most. I’m just grateful to be in another Slam,” Raducanu said.
Rybakina gave a different answer, making it clear she is on the players’ side in this matter but refusing to comment on whether she was part of the boycott.
“Do you want to keep me here for longer? I don’t think I usually do more than that. I won’t call it as boycotting. I’m doing what’s necessary as always. I’m definitely on the players’ side and I support all the players in this case,” she said on Friday.
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Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner, and Coco Gauff have become the leading voices among the players as they look to bring about reform. They have all raised the possibility of boycotting a Grand Slam in the future and have repeatedly called for players to be given more respect.
This boycott threat hangs like a cloud over the French Open as the clay-court Grand Slam gets underway on Sunday.
