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Amid a protracted conflict with Grand Slam tournament organisers, a number of prominent players, including Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff, have expressed “their deep disappointment” at the amount of prize money at Roland Garros.
Later this month, the Grand Slam clay-court competition will begin in western Paris. The players stated that officials have not addressed their other demands, which include improved pensions, health care, and representation.
The players` request followed the announcement last month by the French Open organisers that the Roland Garros prize money had grown by around 10% to an overall pot of 61.7 million euros (USD 72.1 million), up 5.3 million euros from the previous year.
“Players` share of Roland Garros tournament revenue has declined from 15.5% in 2024 to 14.9 per cent projected in 2026,” the group of players responded in a statement on Monday.
“According to tournament officials, Roland Garros generated 395 million euros in revenue in 2025, a 14 per cent year-on-year increase, yet prize money rose by just 5.4 per cent, reducing players` share of revenue to 14.3 per cent,” the statement added.
“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 per cent, far short of the 22 per cent that players have requested to bring the Grand Slams into line with the ATP and WTA Combined 1000 events.”
French Open organisers decline to respond to players` complaints
The same group of 20 players had already signed a letter sent to the heads of the four Grand Slam tournaments last year, seeking more prize money and a greater say in what they called “decisions that directly impact us.” The French Open 2026 will begin on May 24 in Paris.
“While other major international sports are modernising governance, aligning stakeholders, and building long-term value, the Grand Slams remain resistant to change. The absence of player consultation and the continued lack of investment in player welfare reflect a system that does not adequately represent the interests of those who are central to the sport`s success,” the players` statement said.
(With AP Input)
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