Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner have backed Aryna Sabalenka’s suggestion that players could boycott Grand Slam tournaments if they do not receive a greater share of tournament revenues.
Sabalenka and Sinner were among a group of key players to issue a statement on Monday expressing “deep disappointment” over the prize pot on offer at the 2026 French Open.
This comes after Roland Garros organizers announced in April that the total prize money would be increased by 10% to £53.39 million (€61.7 million), an increase of £4.58 million (€5.3 million) from 2025, with both men’s and women’s singles winners set to earn £2.42 million (€2.8 million).
Novak Djokovic praises Aryna Sabalenka for her leadership amid ongoing controversy
However, a statement from these players said: “The underlying numbers tell a completely different story.” They claim that players receive a smaller percentage of total tournament revenue compared to what is offered at other ATP and WTA tour events.
Sinner said players hope Wimbledon and the US Open will meet their demands. They are also understood to be seeking better representation in the Grand Slam tournaments, health options and pensions.
Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka celebrates defeating Peyton Sterns (USA) at Madrid Open
“It’s more about respect, because I think we’re giving a lot more than we’re getting,” Sinner said Thursday at the Italian Open. “It’s not just for the top players, it’s for all of us players.”
Sinners will not boycott.
“It’s hard to say,” he said. “We can’t predict the future, but we also believe we have to start somewhere.”
Djokovic: We need a willingness to cooperate
Djokovic announced in January that he was severing ties with the Professional Tennis Players Association, which he co-founded, and the Professional Tennis Players Association sued the sport’s governing body last year.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion said he was not involved in the current players’ protests, but added that he was “on the sidelines” and “I know the players will always support me.”
“A new generation is emerging,” Djokovic said. “I’m glad that there is a willingness in leaders of our sport like Sabalenka to really understand the dynamics of how tennis politics works and really understand the nuances and what needs to be done not just for her benefit and well-being, but for everyone’s benefit.
“That to me is true leadership and I think she needs to maintain that. I respect that. That’s all I have to say about it. We’re all part of the same sport. Whether it’s players, tournaments or governing bodies, we’re all trying to improve the game.”
“Unfortunately, there are often conflicts of interest that some people don’t want to deal with. I think that’s where the players really have the power. I’m always in favor of a stronger position for the players in the ecosystem.”
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Aryna Sabalenka had nothing but respect for Coco Gauff after defeating her hometown hero at the Miami Open.
One of the major issues affecting the governance of tennis was that there were seven organizing bodies: the four Grand Slams, the ATP, the WTA, and the International Tennis Federation.
“Tennis, like any other big global sport, is big business,” Djokovic said. “We need to approach it from all sides, with a willingness to work together and understand what the equation is.”
French Open tournament executives have increased prize money, but some players say they still receive 15% of the tournament’s revenue, a 7% reduction compared to ATP and WTA tournaments such as this week’s Italian Open.
A year ago, the same group of athletes sent a letter to the leaders of the four major tournaments asking for increased prize money and a greater say in decision-making. Wimbledon increased its total pot for 2025 by 7 percent, the US Open by 20 percent and January’s Australian Open by 16 percent.
“It’s not good that after a year we’re not even close to the conclusion of what we want,” Sinner said. “I truly believe that not only will I get a response within 48 hours, but I will also be able to have a meeting.”
The players claim their share of Roland Garros’ revenue has fallen from 15.5% in 2024 to a projected 14.9% in 2026.
Wimbledon has not yet announced this year’s prize money.
“I think we’ll see in the next few weeks the prize money at Wimbledon as well. I really hope it gets better. And of course the US Open,” Sinner said.
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Highlights of the match between Jannik Sinner and Corentin Moutet at the Miami Open. The Italian achieved 26 consecutive set wins at Masters 1000 level, breaking the record of 24 sets held by Djokovic since 2016.
Including profit sharing and year-end bonus pools, men’s players actually receive about 30 percent of the revenue from ATP Tour tournaments such as the Italian Open.
“We have been silent for too long, and now it’s time to speak out,” Sinner added. “We’re not asking for 50 percent – we don’t have the courage to do so – but it’s too little at the moment.”
French Open organizers did not respond to requests for comment.
Watch the Italian Open in Rome live on Sky Sports or stream on NOW and the Sky Sports app until Sunday 17th May.
