Tennis stars express frustration over French Open prize money
Leading tennis figures have united in a collective statement expressing their dissatisfaction regarding the prize money at the upcoming French Open, scheduled to commence on 24 May. World number one Jannik Sinner and fellow top-ranked player Aryna Sabalenka are among those criticising the tournament’s financial arrangements, alongside defending women’s champion Coco Gauff, reports BritPanorama.
The statement was issued on Sunday by a group that largely includes players from the ATP and WTA Tours, through the Project RedEye campaign, which has been advocating for enhanced conditions from Grand Slam organisers for the past 15 months.
Officials for the tournament recently announced a 9.5 per cent increase in total prize money, which will rise to €61.7 million. However, players contend that their share of this revenue has declined, dropping from 15.5 per cent in 2024 to a projected 14.9 per cent for the current year.
Players highlighted a significant disparity between the increase in tournament revenue, which reportedly reached €395 million in 2025—a 14 per cent year-on-year rise—and the modest 5.4 per cent growth in prize money. Looking ahead, with expectations of revenues surpassing €400 million in 2026, the players demand that their share be raised to 22 per cent, to align with ATP and WTA Combined 1000 events.
Beyond financial grievances, the group has raised concerns regarding the neglect of player welfare proposals by tournament officials, including long-term health provisions and pension schemes. Their statement also points to a perceived lack of progress towards fair representation in Grand Slam decision-making processes.
These issues echo demands articulated in a letter sent to Grand Slam tournament heads back in March 2025, in which players sought more influence over decisions that directly affect them. They are now monitoring the forthcoming prize money announcement from Wimbledon, expected next month.
Interestingly, the latest statement does not include signatures from prominent players like Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, who have not joined the current cohort of signatories. Alcaraz, the defending champion, is also notably absent from this year’s competition due to a wrist injury. British number one Jack Draper has voiced his support for the initiative, aligning with the push for better player conditions, while Emma Raducanu remains uninvolved, having spent several years outside the top 20 rankings required for participation in this campaign.
The unfolding tension surrounding financial distributions at prominent tournaments underscores the ongoing struggle for fair compensation within the sport, a reminder that even amidst the glamour of Grand Slam tournaments, financial disparities continue to challenge the integrity of competitive athletics.
