A considerable number of prominent professional tennis players have voiced their dismay regarding the prize money at the upcoming Roland Garros tournament, which is set to commence on May 24 in Paris. Among those expressing their concerns are top competitors Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff, who collectively issued a statement addressing broader issues surrounding player compensation, representation, and welfare.
Despite the French Open organizers announcing a 10% increase in the total prize pool, bringing it to an impressive 61.7 million euros (approximately $72.1 million), the players argue that their share of the tournament’s revenue is dwindling. As of 2024, players received 15.5% of the tournament’s revenue, but projections indicate that figure will decrease to 14.9% by 2026.
The financial breakdown reveals that each singles champion will earn 2.8 million euros (around $3.28 million), while runners-up will take home 1.4 million euros ($1.64 million). Semifinalists are slated to receive 750,000 euros ($878,685), and those eliminated in the first round will earn 87,000 euros ($101,927). For doubles, the winners of both men’s and women’s events will receive 600,000 euros ($702,786), whereas mixed doubles victors will obtain 122,000 euros ($142,899).
Highlighting the contrast between growing revenue and stagnant prize money, the players pointed out that Roland Garros registered a revenue of 395 million euros ($462 million) in 2025, reflecting a 14% year-on-year increase, while the prize pool only increased by 5.4%. This discrepancy drives down the players’ share of revenue to around 14.3%. With expectations of over 400 million euros ($468 million) for this year’s tournament, the players believe that their compensation will likely remain below the 15% mark, falling short of the 22% threshold they seek to align with ATP and WTA Combined 1000 events.
Furthermore, this is not an isolated issue. Last year, the same group of players sent a letter to the leaders of all Grand Slam events, advocating for improved prize money and a more significant role in the decision-making processes that affect them. They assert that, despite their correspondence and requests for meaningful dialogue concerning welfare matters, including long-term health and pension provisions, there has been little to no progress.
The players have called attention to the governance structure of the Grand Slams, emphasizing that while other sports evolve and modernize their operations to benefit stakeholders, the Grand Slam tournaments remain resistant to necessary changes. Their collective statement underscored their desire for improved financial distributions and a greater voice in governance discussions.
Interestingly, it has been noted that while these players speak as a united front, Novak Djokovic did not sign the latest statement highlighting these issues. This raises questions about the division of perspectives among the sport’s elite regarding financial and governance matters.
With the tournament just around the corner, the conversation surrounding prize money and player welfare continues to gain momentum, emphasizing the growing need for a reconsideration of how athletes are supported and rewarded in one of tennis’s most prestigious events.
