“We are not being heard”: Belinda Bencic highlights Grand Slam disconnect with players

Belinda Bencic gave her own perspective on the debate that has dominated attention at Roland-Garros ahead of the tournament: the distribution of prize money and the players’ protest. For the former world No. 4, the problem lies in the fact that tennis professionals “are not being heard” in key discussions around the structure of the tour.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist explained that there are more elements to consider than just prize money – such as genuine inclusion of players in tennis governance and a greater contribution from the Grand Slam tournaments to areas like pensions, player welfare programmes, or maternity funds.

Notably, Bencic is one of the mothers on Tour – alongside names such as Naomi Osaka, Elina Svitolina or Tatjana Maria. The Swiss player, aged 28, referred to her last year travelling with her daughter and how her experience of training on the Philippe-Chatrier Court was shaped by having her daughter with her.

The world No. 11 will debut this Sunday against Austrian Sinja Kraus, a player coming through qualifying who will make her Grand Slam main draw debut.

Bencic’s comments reinforced a growing narrative among leading players regarding communication breakdowns with the Grand Slam governing bodies.

Players opted not to give press conferences exceeding 15 minutes – something that has drawn some criticism, given that it directly affects the press, which has little to do with the organisational decisions of the tournament.

“It’s not about punishing the media,” Bencic clarified in front of journalists at Roland-Garros. “We feel as players that we are not being heard. We haven’t had meetings with the Grand Slams, and we simply feel unheard. It’s time to take action.”

Bencic also clarified that the initiative she referred to involves ATP and WTA players acting collectively rather than through a single formal organisation. The emphasis, she said, is on unity among players who share similar concerns about how decisions are made. “We are not being heard. We want the meeting. We believe the Grand Slams are part of the tour and should work together with players.”

A central element of Bencic’s explanation was the distinction between prize money increases and broader revenue distribution models. She argued that external perception often misrepresents the players’ position, reducing the debate to simple financial demands rather than structural equity within the sport’s economic framework.

According to Bencic, the key issue is the proportion of revenue allocated to players relative to the commercial scale of the Grand Slams. She also highlighted welfare structures, including pensions and maternity support, as essential components of the discussion.

“We are not just asking for more prize money,” the former world No. 4 added. “We want a fair share of the total revenue. Every time you hear prize money has increased, it sounds great — but the percentage of revenue is actually lower. It’s not only about money. It’s about pensions, maternity funds, and player welfare programmes.”

She further criticised the limited role players have in competitive decision-making, referencing rule changes and scheduling adjustments as areas where consultation is often absent. “We are often not involved in decisions like rule changes. We hear it through the media. We believe the Grand Slams are part of the tour and should work together with players.”

Away from governance issues, Bencic also addressed her current experience of life on tour, particularly the impact of travelling with her daughter. She described these moments as increasingly central to her professional identity, shaping her perception of the WTA Tour beyond results and rankings.

The Swiss player characterised elite tennis as both an aspirational and demanding environment, acknowledging the dual reality of “living a dream” while managing pressure, travel, and performance expectations across a long season.

“These are the moments that now define my life on tour," Bencic added. "I’m very grateful she can travel with me and be part of this life. I don’t have to leave her at home anymore, and that means a lot.”

Bencic also reflected on her daughter’s early development, noting rapid language acquisition and behavioural traits typical of early childhood. “Every day she learns something new — she talks a lot and mixes languages. Her first word was ‘No.’ That’s her favorite word.”

Bencic also reflected on the challenges of early childhood development, noting how her daughter is currently mixing languages and becoming increasingly expressive. “Every day she learns something new — she talks a lot and mixes languages. Her first word was ‘No.’ That’s her favorite word.”