Top tennis stars like Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner and Coco Gauff, have questioned the Grand Slam organisers over money share ahead of French Open and they said they feel “their deep disappointment”
The French Open is scheduled to take place later this month at Roland Garros in Paris, and it will see a nearly 10% rise in overall prize money, taking the total pool to 61.7 million euros ($72.1 million). However, as per several leading players major concerns still need to be addressed, which includes player representation, health-related support, and pension benefits.
Players questions revenue share ahead of French Open
The players also expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as a declining share of tournament revenue allocated to them, “Players’ share of Roland Garros tournament revenue has declined from 15.5% in 2024 to 14.9% projected in 2026,” the group said.
As per the existing prize-money structure, the singles champions at Roland Garros will get 2.8 million euros, while the runners-up will take home 1.4 million euros. Players reaching the semifinals are set to earn 750,000 euros each, whereas those exiting in the opening round will collect 87,000 euros. In doubles, the winning pair will receive 600,000 euros, while the mixed doubles champions will be awarded 122,000 euros.
“According to tournament officials, Roland Garros generated 395 million euros in revenue in 2025, a 14% year-on-year increase, yet prize money rose by just 5.4%, reducing players’ share of revenue to 14.3%,” they said. “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.”
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Grand Slam governance under scrutiny
The group of players had previously approached the organisers of all four Grand Slam tournaments last year, demanding increased prize money and a greater role in “decisions that directly impact us.”
The latest statement was issued through a communications agency representing the original signatories. It was later confirmed that Novak Djokovic was not part of the players who signed this new statement.
The players said that they are, “united in their desire to see meaningful progress, both in terms of fair financial distribution and in how the sport is governed.” They further claimed that their proposals regarding player welfare, including pensions and long-term health support, have been ignored till now
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They also highlighted the lack of progress “on fair and transparent player representation within Grand Slam decision-making.”
“While other major international sports are modernizing governance, aligning stakeholders, and building long-term value, the Grand Slams remain resistant to change,” they said. “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.”
Also Read: Aryna Sabalenka: Profile, Net Worth, Car Collection
