Players have threatened to boycott the French Open if their prize money is not increased because they do not feel respected, World No. 1 Jannik Sinner said on Thursday.
Fellow top-ranked player Aryna Sabalenka and defending Roland Garros champion Coco Gauff had supported the drastic step on Tuesday, saying players will likely receive less than 15 per cent of tournament revenue, well short of the 22 per cent they demanded.
The dispute between the French Open organisers and players deepened after the tournament announced a 9.5 per cent increase in prize money to 61.7 million euros (USD 72.19 million).
Players said in a statement that their share in the tournament revenue had decreased from 15.5 per cent in 2024 to 14.9 per cent projected in 2026.
Novak Djokovic also backed Sabalenka’s comments, praising her for stepping up as a leader.
“I’m glad that there is willingness from the leaders of our sport, like Sabalenka, to really step up and really understand the dynamics of how the tennis politics works and understand the nuances and really what needs to be done not only for her benefit and well-being, but for everyone,” he said.
“That’s a true leadership for me and I think she needs to maintain that. I salute that. That’s all I have to say about that.”
Djokovic, who has been vocal about players’ issues throughout his career, was one of the founders of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), which said the row over French Open prize money shows the sport needs reform.
Published on May 08, 2026