Aryna Sabalenka’s $100-K Jewelry and the French Open Prize-Money Debate

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defeated Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 6-2 in the opening round of the 2025 French Open on Court Suzanne Lenglen. She played in two necklaces and matching earrings supplied by New York jeweller Material Good, describing the pieces as comfortable despite the 90-degree heat.

Sabalenka Wins French Open Match Wearing Over 100 Carats of Garnets and Diamonds

On May 4, Sabalenka and defending champion Coco Gauff released a joint statement that the French Tennis Federation’s proposed player-share would drop from 15.5 % of tournament revenue in 2024 to a projected 14.9 % in 2026. Players are demanding a 22 % share, the standard at ATP and WTA events. The total prize pool is $71.3 million, with the singles champion receiving roughly $3.2 million.

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Material Good’s two-necklace set features deep-red garnets and diamonds. The combined carat weight reported by the brand is over 200 carats of garnets and 23 carats of diamonds; a separate source lists 122.12 carats of garnets and 13.93 carats of diamonds. Valuations range from $102,000 for the two necklaces and earrings to $148,000 for the full three-piece set, the third necklace remaining in Sabalenka’s bag.

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Sabalenka said her advocacy targets lower-ranked players who “are really struggling to survive in this tennis world,” and that her own finances are secure. She described the jewelry as light, noted she feels “good looking-wise,” and believes that confidence in her appearance improves her performance.

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Media outlets highlighted the contrast between the $102,000-plus jewelry and the $3.2 million champion’s prize, noting that the on-court accessories exceed the first-round earnings of opponent Bouzas Maneiro. Critics questioned the optics of a top player showcasing luxury while demanding higher pay for lower-ranked competitors.

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Sources differ on the total valuation of Sabalenka’s jewelry—one assessment lists $102,000 for the two necklaces and earrings, another cites $148,000 for the complete three-piece set. The French Tennis Federation’s exact counter-offer to the players’ 22 % demand has not been disclosed.

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• “It’s just fighting for players, lower ranked players who are really struggling to survive in this tennis world. It has nothing to do with me that I’m fighting for the prize money. Everyone knows that I’m okay.” — Aryna Sabalenka, World No. 1

People Magazine

• “For me, it’s important to look good. If I feel good looking-wise, I perform better, and I feel great.” — Aryna Sabalenka, World No. 1

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• “It’s supposed to be the third necklace, but I was like, ‘OK, it’s kind of like too much probably,’ so I decided to keep it just two,” — Aryna Sabalenka, World No. 1

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• “I don’t really see how it can be possible to cross these two completely different worlds,” — Aryna Sabalenka, World No. 1

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Sabalenka’s second-round match against French wildcard Elsa Jacquemot is set for Thursday. Wimbledon officials have approved her to wear the Material Good jewelry at the All England Club in June.

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