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Top Ten Threaten French Open Boycott Over Prize Money

5/8/2026

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Summary

Sinner Threatens Boycott

Jannik Sinner warned top players may boycott the French Open over prize-money.
Prize-money rose 9.53% to €61.723 million (£53.39 million), giving champions £2.4 million from a £52.6 million fund.
Sabalenka, Gauff, Djokovic and Swiatek said the increase is insufficient, prompting the top-10 to sign a collective letter in April 2025 demanding a fairer revenue split.
Rusedski said he understands the frustration but expects no boycott, while Sinner readies for his Open round-of-64 against Sebastian Ofner.

Summary

**Djokovic Demands Power**

Novak Djokovic asserted that players have power and backed a stronger player position in tennis governance.
Djokovic praised Aryna Sabalenka’s boycott call as “true leadership” and commended her for maintaining it.
Top-10 men and women said they give more than they receive, framing the issue as respect rather than money.
The players’ group pointed out a conflict of interest that some avoid addressing, indicating deeper governance tensions.

Summary

Djokovic Cuts Ties

Novak Djokovic severed his link with the Professional Tennis Players Association, which he co-founded and that sued governing bodies.
Seven entities—the four Grand Slams, ATP, WTA and International Tennis Federation—control tennis revenue.
Players, including Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys, are demanding contributions to pension, healthcare and maternity funds.
Men’s players at ATP events such as the Italian Open receive roughly 30 % of revenues through profit-sharing and bonuses.

Summary

Sinner Targets Title

Jannik Sinner entered the Italian Open on a 23-match winning streak, targeting a sixth consecutive Masters 1000 title.
He opened his Rome campaign on May 9 against Austrian Sebastian Ofner.
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz’s injury made Sinner the red-hot favourite for the singles crown.
Novak Djokovic returned from a shoulder injury to meet Dino Prizmic on May 8.
In a May 7 press conference, Sinner reiterated his concerns about Grand Slam prize money.

History

Historical Context

In May 1973 the Yugoslav Tennis Association suspended Nikola Pilic for allegedly refusing a Davis Cup tie, and the ILTF upheld a one-month ban that barred him from Wimbledon. The newly formed ATP responded by boycotting the tournament, with 81 leading players—including champion Stan Smith and 13 of the 16 seeds—withdrawn. The protest compelled the ILTF to adopt player-representation rules that still shape today’s revenue-share disputes.

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Sinner Threatens Boycott

Jannik Sinner warned top players may boycott the French Open over prize-money.
Prize-money rose 9.53% to €61.723 million (£53.39 million), giving champions £2.4 million from a £52.6 million fund.
Sabalenka, Gauff, Djokovic and Swiatek said the increase is insufficient, prompting the top-10 to sign a collective letter in April 2025 demanding a fairer revenue split.
Rusedski said he understands the frustration but expects no boycott, while Sinner readies for his Open round-of-64 against Sebastian Ofner.

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