Aryna Sabalenka warns boycott could emerge over Grand Slam prize money dispute

Tuesday, 05 May 2026 at 18:00

aryna-sabalenka-press-conference-madrid-open-2026

Aryna Sabalenka has said she believes there could eventually be a boycott by ATP and WTA players of Grand Slam tournaments over disputes regarding prize money distribution. The world No. 1 spoke amid growing pressure to secure more equitable prize money, following disappointment with the figures revealed for the upcoming French Open.

Recently, there was “deep disappointment” from top-10 players following the announcement of prize money in Paris. Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek are among those who have circulated a further letter expressing their dissatisfaction on the matter.

The tournament organisation recently announced a 9.53% increase in prize money, rising from £2.2m awarded to the 2025 champions – Alcaraz and Gauff – to around £2.4m. Back in March, other names such as Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, Alexander Zverev, Jessica Pegula, Daniil Medvedev, Elena Rybakina, Taylor Fritz, Zheng Qinwen and Alex de Minaur signed a letter requesting a better distribution of prize money.

As the Rome Open begins – the final WTA 1000 / Masters 1000 event before Roland Garros – four-time major champion Sabalenka said in a press conference that “at some point we will boycott” Grand Slam tournaments if no action is taken. “I feel like that’s going to be the only way to kind of, like, fight for our rights,” she said.

Sabalenka calls for wider Grand Slam response

The prize money increase for this year is 9.5% compared to 2025. The €61.7 million to be distributed among players represents around 15% of the tournament’s projected revenue. For the group of players who signed the letter, this remains well below expectations for Grand Slam events.

The first to address Sabalenka’s statement was Sabalenka herself, who hopes her concerns will be heard by the governing bodies – not only at the French Open, but also at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.

“Let’s see how far we can get,” said the world No. 1. “If it’s going to take players for boycott. I feel like nowadays, we girls can easily get together and go for this because some of the things I feel like it’s really unfair to the players. I think at some point it’s going to get to this.”

ATP and WTA tournaments distribute around 22% of revenue to players, according to the New York Times, significantly lower than other major sports organisations, such as the NFL, NBA and MLB, which distribute close to 50% of revenue to players.

“As Roland Garros looks to post record revenues, players are therefore receiving a declining share of the value they help create,” a statement circulated by the player group said. It was attributed to the 20 signatories of an initial letter sent to the four majors in March 2025, including Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff.

Read also

“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 group of players is aiming for higher prize money that represents a larger share of tournament revenues, along with reinvestment of part of those funds into player welfare, improved representation and consultation, and the creation of a Grand Slam Player Council to reflect the different realities of players at the majors.

Swiatek urges dialogue, rules out boycott for now

Sabalenka is not the only one to address player dissatisfaction. Six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek said in a press conference that she hopes for joint meetings to reach a solution that benefits everyone, although she has ruled out a potential boycott for now.

“I think we have good communication between us,” Swiatek said in press conference. “Sometimes if it’s an important topic, we are ready to speak together.”

“I think the most important thing honestly is to have proper communication and discussions with the governing bodies so we have some space to talk and maybe negotiate. Hopefully before Roland Garros there’s going to be (an) opportunity to have these types of meetings and we’ll see how they go.”

American world No. 6 Ben Shelton also recently commented on the issue. “It’s important for us players that we at least get a seat at the table to talk about these things,” said the two-time Grand Slam semifinalist. “That’s something that’s been lacking in our sport, especially from the Slams and probably the part that makes us the most disappointed.”

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

See author's posts

claps 3visitors 1

"When Carlos isn’t there, the divide is just so obvious": Andy Roddick marvels over Madrid brilliance of Jannik Sinner without Alcaraz

Emma Raducanu withdraws from Rome Open after press conference and loses Roland Garros seeding chance