World number eight Taylor Fritz said on Friday that tennis players’ concerns about prize money have been “ignored” by Grand Slam tournament organisers, leading to a planned protest at the French Open.
The bulk of the world’s top-10 players will limit their media duties at the clay-court major, which begins at Roland Garros on Sunday, over what they see as low prize money.
Players have claimed they are currently paid only 15 per cent of revenue from the Grand Slams and are asking for 22 per cent instead.
“It’s not about wanting more money. It’s about just wanting what’s fair,” Fritz told reporters in Paris.
“And as the tournaments make more money, we obviously want to see the revenue shared back to the players reflect that.
“I think obviously when it’s going the opposite direction and going down, it’s disappointing to see.
“We have been pretty patient and mild with, I’d say, our requests, and I think all of us feel it’s a bit disrespectful to just be ignored when the sport is the healthiest, when I think there is a very fair partnership and open dialogue between the players and the tournaments.”
Jannik Sinner, the top-ranked men’s player, earlier this month called for the Grand Slam events to show “respect” to players.
Women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka also said at the Italian Open that players might have to boycott the sport’s four biggest tournaments, the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open, to “defend our rights”.
Fritz said a boycott had not been seriously discussed by the players, but did not rule out it becoming a future option.
“Something does have to change if we are ignored, so that’s a conversation to have, I think,” said the American when asked about a potential boycott.
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Elsewhere, Russia’s Andrey Rublev, a 10-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist, criticised the lack of communication from tournament organisers when players raised their concerns.
“They don’t hear you. They don’t answer,” said the 28-year-old.
“When you send the mail in, no one responds to official mail for months, it’s like, and we are doing the same thing.
“Come on, guys. We are together, or you completely don’t care that much that you cannot even communicate.”
French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said on Thursday that Roland Garros organisers “would not budge” and increase prize money.
Published on May 22, 2026