Aryna Sabalenka has denied accusations of hypocrisy after wearing £76,000 worth of jewellery during her opening French Open victory, just days after protesting for increased prize money.
Victory and Bling
The world number one breezed past Spaniard Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 6-2 while adorned with two necklaces and matching earrings composed of 15.6 carat diamonds and 136.5 carat garnets. The jewellery, designed by New York brand Material Good, was worth £1,000 more than Bouzas Maneiro earned for her first-round exit.
Prize Money Protest
Sabalenka wore the same necklaces and earrings during her pre-tournament press conference, which she cut short after 15 minutes as part of demands for bigger prize money. The Belarusian was among 20 top stars protesting the 15 per cent share of revenue they receive at the French Open, demanding 22 per cent — worth an additional £25 million. The current prize pot is £53 million, with winners pocketing £2.4 million each. Sabalenka earned over £11 million in prize money in 2025, the most of any women's player in history, breaking Serena Williams' previous record of £9.2 million from 2013.
Sabalenka's Defence
“I don't really see how it can be possible to cross these two completely different worlds,” said Sabalenka. “As I said before, the prize money, it's not about me at all. It's just fighting for players, lower-ranked players who are really struggling to survive in this tennis world. It has nothing to do with me that I'm fighting for the prize money. Everyone knows that I'm okay. It's just that we are fighting for fair percentage out of the revenues, and also for the lower-ranked players, players coming back after injuries, next generation to be more comfortable coming into the top 10. It's not about me.”
Custom Jewellery and Security
Daily Mail Sport revealed that Sabalenka's custom jewellery at Roland Garros could total over £100,000 if she chooses to wear a third matching necklace worth £34,000. The set includes an additional 8.6 carats of diamonds and 81.6 carats of garnets, but Sabalenka admitted after her victory that would have been “too much.” She also revealed that her fiancé, Georgios Frangulis, is keeping the jewels safe. “He's kind of like my security,” she smiled. “I have my team. I have Jason (Stacy, her performance coach) and my physio who does Jujitsu, so I feel pretty secure walking around. If I go somewhere, I don't go alone.”
Sabalenka is the face of the New York brand and also wore their jewellery at the Australian Open in January, with plans to do so at all Grand Slams this year. Wimbledon sources have given the green light for Sabalenka to wear her bling on the grass at the All England Club in June.
