Rome: A French Open boycott could become an option if players do not receive a larger share of Grand Slam revenue, world number one Aryna Sabalenka said Tuesday.
Sabalenka made the comments at the Italian Open after leading players issued a statement expressing “deep disappointment” over Roland Garros prize money distribution.
This year’s French Open prize fund has risen 9.5 per cent to 61.7 million euros, or about $72.19 million.
Players said they still expected to receive less than 15 per cent of tournament revenue, below the 22 per cent share they have requested to match combined ATP and WTA 1000 events.
“I think at some point we will boycott it,” Sabalenka told reporters, saying she believed that could become the only way for players to press their demands.
Sabalenka said players deserved a higher percentage because “without us there wouldn’t be a tournament and there wouldn’t be that entertainment.”
The players are also seeking better representation, health options and pensions from the four Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open.
Iga Swiatek, a four-time French Open champion, called for proper communication and negotiations with governing bodies, while saying a boycott would be an extreme step.
Italian player Jasmine Paolini said a boycott could be possible if men’s and women’s players remained united on the issue. The French Open will start on May 24.
