Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff have threatened to boycott the French Open if their negotiation regarding prize money isn’t resolved at some point in time. The whole argument lies in the percentage of revenue players are getting.
This year, Roland Garros increased prize money by 9.5%, taking the total pool to 61.7 million euros ($72.19 million). However, with revenues exceeding north of $400 million, it is under 15%. As a result, players want roughly 22%, similar to ATP/WTA combined events.
Coco Gauff Speaks on Drastic French Open Boycott Measure
In her recent press conference before the Italian Open, Coco Gauff voiced her support for a possible French Open boycott due to what players think is unfair prize distribution.
“Uhm, yeah, honestly I kind of agree with that, just taking what the WNBA kind of accomplished. They also have a union, so I think that helps,” Gauff said about the potential boycott. “I definitely think, from my not experience, because I don’t have a lot of life experiences, but from the things I’ve seen with other sports, usually to make massive progress and things like this, it takes a union. Yeah, we have to become unionized in some way.
“Yeah, I mean, I think you can put pressure on media, media pressure and things like that. For all of us showing up, everyone’s going to act as normal. I definitely agree with her on that standpoint. I think a few other players agree, too.”
Gauff later clarified that she has not been part of any real discussion on the boycott but said other players might have discussed it amongst themselves. What matters is if the time comes to really boycott the Grand Slam event, Gauff will take the players’ side.
When asked if she dares to boycott a Grand Slam event, without hesitation, Gauff said:
“Yeah, if everyone were to move as one and collaborate, yeah, I can 100% see that.”
Gauff then spoke on behalf of other players who may not be able to earn off the court through brand endorsements and other stuff. She claims their lives would be much better than just living from one paycheck to another.
“It’s about the future of our sport and also, like, the current players who aren’t getting I guess as much benefits maybe as even some of the top players are getting when it comes to like sponsorship and things like that,” Gauff continued. “We’re making money off court.
“When you look at the 50 to 100, 50 to 200, how much money each slam makes, it’s kind of unfortunate where the 200 best tennis players are living paycheck to paycheck, whereas other sports it’s not even a discussion. An we are profiting, so… Yeah, I definitely think, like I said, if we all collectively agree, then yes. I mean, I wouldn’t want to just be the only one because people talk about it. I’m just like, Yeah. Then I’m like the only one not playing (smiling). That is where there needs to be a real discussion.”
Gauff gladly shared that it might have taken a while, but this is something that all top 10 WTA players agree on. The two-time Grand Slam champion and defending French Open champion also revealed the timeline when she learned how important this was, especially for women’s tennis.
“It was actually one of my first US Opens,” Gauff added. “I didn’t know anything much then, so I wasn’t really involved or anything. I think when you just look at the facts of the situation, the numbers, then you talk to other players, you talk amongst each other, then you realize I think this is something that I think is important.
“Also when you look at other sports who have done the same, how much of a massive improvement has been made for their players. Not just the players only, but the overall structure of the league or tour is I think something that can be improved.”
Aryna Sabalenka Gives WTA/ATP Leverage Amid Boycott Talks
Aryna Sabalenka is leading the conversation from the women’s side as much as Jannik Sinner is leading from the men’s. Sabalenka really put it in the best possible way that how players should be so much central than anyone else when it comes to revenue distribution.
“Definitely when you see the number and you see the amount the players receiving…,” Sabalenka said. “I feel like the show is on us. I feel like without us there wouldn’t be a tournament and there wouldn’t be that entertainment. I feel like definitely we deserve to be paid more percentage.
“What can I say? I just really hope that all of the negotiation that we are having, we at some point are going to get to the right decision, to the conclusion that everyone will be happy with.”
The French Open is still a couple of weeks away as ATP/WTA players’ union continues to negotiate their way out of a better prize distribution than playing for below 15% of revenue.
Complete List of Players Supporting or Linked to French Open Boycott Movement
Several top players have publicly supported the complaints or signed statements criticizing the French Open prize money. They are as follows:
- Aryna Sabalenka
- Coco Gauff
- Jannik Sinner
- Carlos Alcaraz
- Novak Djokovic
- Elena Rybakina
- Jasmine Paolini
Iga Swiatek has also spoken about the same, but she prefers dialogue over drastic measures like a boycott.
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