The world’s leading tennis players are planning to stage a media boycott at the French Open in protest of the lack of reform in response to their push for a larger share of tournament revenue. The situation has become increasingly tense, coming on the heels of players threatening to boycott Grand Slams.
Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner Lead Media Boycott Amid French Open Revenue Clash
Earlier this month, the world’s top players released a statement expressing their deep disappointment with the revenue share on offer at the French Open. Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Jannik Sinner then all hinted that the players could boycott Grand Slams if the situation doesn’t change.
Now, it is being reported that many players are planning to stage a protest during Friday’s media day by walking out of press conferences after 15 minutes, to symbolize the 15% of total revenue Grand Slams typically pay them on average.
According to the Guardian, players will also refuse interviews with the French Open’s broadcast partners and will only conduct post-match on-court interviews, which they are contractually obligated to attend.
In response, the French Tennis Federation expressed regret over the players’ decision and announced that a meeting is scheduled for Friday between officials and representatives of several players. Meetings with representatives of Wimbledon and the US Open are also expected to take place during the French Open.
“We regret the players’ decision, which impacts all of the tournament’s stakeholders: the media, broadcasters, the FFT and the entire tennis community, all of whom follow each edition of Roland-Garros with great enthusiasm,” the statement read.
“The FFT recognises the importance of the players’ contribution to the tournament’s success, and wishes to maintain close ties with them. The FFT is ready to engage in direct and constructive dialogue on governance issues, with a view to giving players a greater say in decision-making, contributing to players’ welfare and evolutions in the value-sharing model,” it further stated.
This protest is the next step in the players’ attempt to get a higher share of revenue at Grand Slams. Players have long been requesting that they receive around 22% of total revenue, as they feel they are the main reason the Grand Slams have been generating record profits.
MORE: ‘My Position Is Very Clear’ – Novak Djokovic Issues Statement on Aryna Sabalenka’s Boycott Warning
In a statement released earlier this month, signed by Sabalenka, Gauff, Sinner, as well as Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Świątek, Jessica Pegula, Taylor Fritz, and several others, the players claimed that their share of revenue has shrunk while the French Open posted record profits last year.
The protest continues to gain momentum with players fighting for a greater share of the prize money. They feel that their demands are not being heard, and this protest is their way of putting pressure on the four Grand Slams. If an agreement cannot be reached in the coming weeks, a boycott of the Grand Slams could be the next significant step.
