Top players criticise French Open prize money and unresolved welfare demands
- Last updated: May 5, 2026 | 09:51
Top players including No.1 Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka expressed "their deep disappointment” at the French Open prize money on Monday.
The players, most of them from the top 10 in the ATP and WTA, added their other demands have not been addressed by officials from the four Grand Slam tournaments, including better representation, health and pensions.
French Open organizers announced last month they were increasing overall prize money by about 10% for an overall pot of 61.7 million euros ($72.1 million), with the total amount up 5.3 million euros from last year.
But the players' statement said "the underlying figures tell a very different story,” claiming they will receive a smaller share of tournament revenues.
"Players’ share of Roland Garros tournament revenue has declined from 15.5% in 2024 to 14.9% projected in 2026,” the players said.
"According to tournament officials, Roland Garros generated 395 million euros in revenue in 2025, a 14% year-on-year increase, yet prize money rose by just 5.4%, reducing players’ share of revenue to 14.3%.
"With estimated revenues of over 400 million euros for this year’s tournament, prize money as a percentage of revenue will likely still be less than 15%, far short of the 22% that players have requested to bring the Grand Slams into line with the ATP and WTA Combined 1000 events.”
French Open organizers did not immediately respond to a request for comments.
The Australian Open this year increased the players' compensation by 16%, and the US Open prize money last year went up by 20%.
The same group of players sent a letter a year ago to the heads of the four Grand Slams seeking more prize money and a greater say in what they called "decisions that directly impact us.” However, the communications firm that released the statement on Monday said it was issued in the name of the original signatories to the initial letter, later adding that Novak Djokovic had not signed the new statement.
The players said they remain "united in their desire to see meaningful progress, both in terms of fair financial distribution and in how the sport is governed.”
They insisted they have not received any response to their proposals on welfare, including pension and long-term health, adding that no progress has been made "on fair and transparent player representation within Grand Slam decision-making.”
"While other major international sports are modernizing governance, aligning stakeholders, and building long-term value, the Grand Slams remain resistant to change. The absence of player consultation and the continued lack of investment in player welfare reflect a system that does not adequately represent the interests of those who are central to the sport’s success.”
Play begins on May 24 at Roland Garros.
Associated Press