Sinner, Sabalenka, Gauff Lead Criticism of Roland Garros Prize Money

A group of leading tennis players, including Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff, have voiced “deep disappointment” over prize money levels at Roland Garros, amid a long-running dispute between players and Grand Slam organizers. The clay-court Grand Slam, scheduled to start on May 24 in Paris, comes with unresolved demands for better representation, healthcare, and pensions, which the players say have not been addressed.

The players’ statement followed the French Open organizers’ announcement last month of a roughly 10% increase in prize money compared to the previous year, raising the total prize fund to €61.7 million ($72.1 million). However, the players argued that “the percentage of revenue that players receive from Roland Garros has decreased from 15.5% in 2024 to an expected 14.9% in 2026.”

According to official figures, the men’s and women’s singles champions will earn €2.8 million ($3.27 million), runners-up €1.4 million ($1.63 million), semifinalists €750,000 ($878,383), and first-round losers €87,000 ($101,897). In doubles, the men’s and women’s champions each receive €600,000 ($702,739), and mixed doubles champions get €122,000 ($142,882).

However, the statement emphasized that “the actual figures tell a completely different story,” noting that organizers reported Roland Garros 2025 generated €395 million ($462 million) in revenue, a 14% increase over the previous year, while prize money rose only 5.4%, pushing the players’ revenue share down to 14.3%. The players calculated that with estimated revenue exceeding €400 million ($468 million) this year, the prize-money-to-revenue ratio is likely to remain below 15%, far from the 22% they demand to bring the Grand Slam in line with ATP and WTA Combined 1000 events.

This is not the first time players have spoken out. Last year, the same group sent a letter to the heads of the four Grand Slams, demanding higher prize money and a greater voice in “decisions that directly affect us.” This time, they affirmed they “remain united in our desire for meaningful progress, both in equitable financial distribution and in the governance of this sport.”

The players said they have not received any response regarding welfare proposals, including pensions and long-term healthcare, nor progress on “transparent and fair representation of players in Grand Slam decision-making.” They criticized: “While other major international sports modernize governance, engage stakeholders, and build long-term value, the Grand Slams remain resistant to change. The lack of player consultation and continued underinvestment in welfare reflect a system that does not adequately represent the interests of those central to the sport’s success.”