Top WTA players threatened a French Open boycott this week, after expressing frustration with the 2026 Grand Slam's revenue share.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka floated the boycott idea, saying players may need to take action to secure fair compensation.
"I think at some point we will boycott it," Sabalenka told reporters. "I feel like that's going to be the only way to fight for our rights. Without us there wouldn't be a tournament and there wouldn't be that entertainment."
The French Open boycott discussion stems from a letter signed by top stars including Sabalenka and No. 4 Coco Gauff. The letter claimed revenue sharing dropped from 15.5% to 14.9% in 2026, far below the 22% WTA 1000 standard.
Roland-Garros generated €395 million in revenue in 2025 — up 14% — yet prize money rose just 5.4%. The French Open increased its payout to €61.7 million ($72.19 million) this year. However, that trails the US Open ($90 million) and Australian Open ($80.06 million).
Gauff voiced strong support for the potential French Open boycott, emphasizing the fight extends beyond top earners.
"It's not about me," Gauff said. "It's about the future of our sport and the current players who aren't getting as much benefits... The 200 best tennis players are living paycheck to paycheck."
World No. 3 Iga Świątek called the French Open boycott "a bit extreme." She instead advocated to continue negotiations with tournament organizers.
The French Tennis Federation defended its prize money structure, noting all revenues fund tennis development.
The French Open kicks off May 24th, live on TNT — unless a boycott subsequently derails the 2026 Grand Slam.
