Top Tennis Players Stage Media Protest at French Open Over Prize Money Share

Ahead of the 2026 French Open, the leading twenty male and female players will enact a coordinated “work-to-rule” action. During the traditional Friday press conference they will walk out after fifteen minutes and limit all subsequent interviews to a brief flash session with tournament rights-holder broadcasters. The plan satisfies contractual interview obligations while minimizing off-court duties.

The Guardian

The protest follows a year-long clash over the proportion of Grand Slam revenues allocated to prize money. Players argue that the four majors should match the 22 % share paid by ATP and WTA Combined 1000 events. At Roland Garros they contend the share has slipped to roughly 14 % of total revenue, far below their target.

Associated Press

Prominent voices include Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic and world No 1 Iga Swiatek (who has publicly distanced herself from boycott talk). Former ATP player and ex-WTA chief Larry Scott is advising the group and is scheduled to meet French Tennis Federation (FFT) president Gilles Moretton and tournament director Amélie Mauresmo.

The Independent

• 2025 tournament revenue: €395 million (14 % year-on-year increase).

The Independent

• 2026 prize pool: €61.7 million, a 9.5 % rise; total prize money up 5.4 % from 2025.

The Independent

• Winners’ share: €2.8 million each, €250 000 more than the previous year.

Associated Press

• Players’ revenue share claimed: 14.3 % (down from 15.5 % in 2024, projected 14.9 % in 2026).

The Independent

• Early-round players’ prize money increased by more than 11 %.

Associated Press

• Wimbledon’s revenue grew from £165 million (2015) to over £420 million (2025) while prize money doubled, reducing its players’ share by 20 %.

The Guardian

Beyond immediate earnings, athletes seek greater influence over tournament scheduling, enhanced health provisions and pension schemes. They argue that an insufficient prize-money share limits their ability to fund season-long expenses and undermines long-term security. The dispute also raises questions about revenue transparency and the distribution of commercial value across the sport’s premier events.

The Independent

The FFT expressed regret, stating the protest “penalises all stakeholders” and pledged “direct and constructive discussions on governance issues” with proposals to improve player representation and social protection. The federation highlighted that a portion of the prize-money increase was directed to early-round competitors. Larry Scott confirmed he will hold talks with FFT leadership on Friday, and further meetings with Wimbledon and US Open representatives are planned.

Associated Press

While most top-10 players support the action, Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu have publicly distanced themselves from any strike, indicating internal dissent. The FFT’s criticism emphasizes the broader impact on media partners, broadcasters and fans, framing the protest as detrimental to the tournament ecosystem.

The Guardian

Players cite a 14.3 % revenue share, yet also reference a decline from 15.5 % (2024) to 14.9 % (2026). The FFT’s figures focus on prize-money growth without providing a detailed breakdown of total revenue allocation, leaving the exact share calculation unresolved.

The Independent

• “The FFT is ready for direct and constructive discussions on governance issues, with the aim of giving players a greater role in decision-making, contributing to players’ social protection, and evolving the distribution of value, and it put forward several proposals in this direction during the meeting,” — French Tennis Federation

Associated Press

• “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,” — Players’ statement

Associated Press

• “Beyond the prize money, a Grand Slam tournament like Roland Garros offers players exceptional exposure, generating indirect income through sponsorships, partnerships, exhibitions and appearance fees,” — French Tennis Federation

Associated Press

• “penalises all stakeholders involved in the tournament: the media, broadcasters, federation staff and the entire tennis community that enthusiastically follows each edition of Roland Garros.” — French Tennis Federation

The Independent

• “deep disappointment” — Players’ statement on prize-money structure

Associated Press

A Friday meeting between player representatives and FFT officials will address governance and revenue-share proposals. Wimbledon’s prize-money announcement is expected in early June, and players have signaled the possibility of protests should the new figures not meet the 22 % target. Continued negotiations across all four Grand Slams will shape the sport’s financial landscape for the coming years.

Associated Press