World No. 1 Warns Roland Garros Boycott Possible Over Prize Money

World No. 1 women's tennis player Aryna Sabalenka declared that players could boycott the French Open (Roland Garros) if prize money is not improved, amid a growing dispute between organizers and players. Speaking at the Italian Open on May 6, Sabalenka said: “I think at some point we will boycott. That might be the only way to fight for our rights.”

This year, the total prize fund at Roland Garros increased by about 10%, reaching €61.7 million ($72.1 million). Still, according to top players, this amount remains far below the 22% of tournament revenue they are demanding — a percentage that aligns with ATP and WTA 1000 events. In a joint statement, many stars noted that actual prize money may represent less than 15% of revenue.

Sabalenka did not rule out a boycott but hoped negotiations would yield results: “I hope the talks will lead to the right decision, satisfying everyone.”

Coco Gauff, world No. 4, also voiced strong support. She said she could “100%” see players boycotting a Grand Slam if they made a collective decision, highlighting the stark disparity: “Players ranked from 50 to 200 are living paycheck to paycheck.”

Gauff proposed forming a players' union, citing the example of the WNBA — the U.S. women's basketball league that recently reached a collective agreement after 17 months of negotiations. “From what we see in other sports, to make big strides, you usually need a union,” she said.

Currently, Roland Garros trails other Grand Slams in prize money: US Open $90 million, Australian Open $80.06 million, Wimbledon $72.51 million — compared to $72.1 million for the clay-court event. Sabalenka stressed the players' role: “Without us, there would be no tournaments. We deserve a higher percentage.”