Players keep up battle with tennis majors as they decry Roland Garros prize money

Top tennis players, including world number ones Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, expressed significant disappointment over the 2026 prize money announced by Roland Garros. In a letter sent on Monday, they highlighted concerns about inadequate financial increases in relation to tournament revenue.

Why are players dissatisfied with Roland Garros prize money?

Players criticized the announcement of a 9.5% prize money increase as inadequate. Last year, the French Open generated €395 million, a 14% rise, yet the total prize pool grew by only 5.4%, reducing the players' share to 14.3%. This year’s projected revenue may exceed €400 million, maintaining a player share below 15%.

Further dissatisfaction stems from the lack of engagement on issues related to player welfare and decision-making consultation within the Grand Slams. The letter from players emphasized that “the announcement does nothing to address structural issues” they have raised persistently over the previous year.

While the identities of the players who signed prior letters remain undisclosed, it is known that ten of the eleven top-ranked women expressed their concerns. Notable men, including Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, and Carlos Alcaraz, supported the letters, although Djokovic did not sign the most recent correspondence.

What changes do players want from Grand Slam tournaments?

Players are seeking a 22% share of tournament revenue, aligning Grand Slam earnings with those of other significant tennis events. The push for higher prize money includes requests for contributions to a player welfare fund, aiming to improve benefits for retirement and maternity.

Iga Swiatek voiced her frustration at the lack of communication from Grand Slam officials. Ultimately, the ongoing discord is reflected in the actions of the breakaway Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), which has pursued lawsuits against various tennis organizations regarding financial practices. One notable case highlighted that the US Open profited more from a single cocktail than it paid to its singles champions in 2024.

Conclusion

As players continue to advocate for increased prize money and better welfare support, their demands highlight systemic issues within professional tennis. The lack of responsiveness from organizers, especially in light of growing revenues, poses significant challenges for future negotiations in the tennis world.