French Open rejects prize money change despite tennis stars' boycott threat

Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and No 4 Coco Gauff led player complaints about reduced pay at the French Open. Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said the prize money will not change this year, while initiating discussions with players and representatives. Players plan to limit interaction with reporters to 15 minutes during the traditional pretournament media day. A meeting is expected between organisers and players on Friday. Players have criticised organisers for reducing the players’ share of revenue to about 14.3 percent, compared with 22 percent at standard ATP and WTA events. Roland Garros increased its prize money by about 10 percent after other Grand Slams raised their pots, but players argue their share declined despite revenue growth.

"Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and No 4 Coco Gauff have led player complaints about reduced pay at French Open. The French Open prize money will not change this year despite players complaining they deserve a bigger share, tournament director Amelie Mauresmo says. Top players have criticised the organisers for reducing the players' share of revenue to an alleged 14.3 percent, compared with 22 percent at standard ATP and WTA events."

"To show their discontent, many competing at Roland Garros, where play begins on Sunday, are planning to limit their interaction with reporters to 15 minutes during Friday's traditional pretournament media day. Mauresmo, a former Australian Open and Wimbledon champion, said she remained open to dialogue and was confident of a solution. A meeting is expected on Friday between tournament organisers and the players and their representatives."

"But asked whether there was a chance the prize money would change this year, Mauresmo said on Thursday: No, we are not going to change anything. We are going to initiate discussions, and that is what everyone wants. Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and fourth-ranked Coco Gauff were among leading players this month who supported a boycott of the Grand Slams if they don't start receiving more compensation."

"The entire French Open pot was 61.7 million euros ($72m), up 5.3 million euros ($6.1m) from last year, but the players claimed their share of Roland Garros revenue declined from 15.5 percent in 2024 to 14.9 percent projected in 2026. They said the event generated 395 million euros ($457.7m) in 2025, a 14 percent year-on-year increase, yet prize money rose by just 5.4 percent, reducing players' share of revenue to 14.3 percent."

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