Top ATP and WTA players, including Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff, have sharply criticized the French Open for its low prize money allocation. The tournament organizers reportedly spend less than 15% of their revenue on player payouts, while athletes demand that share be raised to 22%.
A group of 20 leading tennis professionals from both the ATP and WTA tours issued a joint statement expressing disappointment over the prize money levels at Roland Garros. According to The Guardian, the statement was signed by stars like Djokovic, Sinner, Sabalenka, and Gauff.
In April, the French Open organizers announced a 9.5% increase in the total prize pool to €61.7 million. Winners in men’s and women’s singles would each take home €2.8 million, while runners-up would receive €1.4 million. However, top players deemed this increase insufficient.
Referring to the players’ statement, The Guardian reported that in 2025, Roland Garros generated €395 million in revenue—a 14% increase from the previous year. Yet the prize fund grew only 5.4%, meaning player compensation accounted for just 14.3% of total revenue. This year, revenue is expected to exceed €400 million, with prize money likely staying below 15%. The players are demanding that at least 22% of revenue go toward prize money—consistent with other joint ATP and WTA tournaments.
Fair revenue sharing is not the only issue. According to the players, tournament organizers have failed to address proposals regarding social guarantees, including the creation of a pension system and long-term medical care.
The athletes also highlighted a lack of progress in ensuring fair and transparent player involvement in decision-making at Grand Slam events. “While other major international sports organizations modernize their governance, the Grand Slam tournaments resist change,” the statement read.
The main draw of the 2026 French Open will take place on the clay courts of Paris from May 24 to June 7. Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and American Coco Gauff are the defending singles champions.