Top tennis players have reignited their dispute with grand slam tournaments over prize money, expressing deep disappointment with the financial terms at this year's Roland Garros. The group, which includes Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff, argues that players receive a declining share of the revenue they help generate.
Players Demand Fairer Revenue Distribution
The players, from the top 10 of both the men's and women's tours, have long pushed for a greater percentage of grand slam revenues. While French Open organisers increased total prize money by 9.5 per cent to €61.7 million (£53.7 million), the players contend that their share of overall revenue is projected to fall to 14.3 per cent this year. They seek a figure closer to the 22 per cent offered at mixed events like Indian Wells and the Italian Open.
FFT Defends Prize Money Structure
The French Tennis Federation (FFT) responded by stating that prize money increases were focused on early-round participants, with an 11 per cent rise for the first three rounds compared to 9.8 per cent for champions. The FFT emphasised that it is a non-profit organisation reinvesting all revenues into the tournament and tennis development, including grassroots programmes and infrastructure investments exceeding €400 million.
In a statement, the players criticised the lack of engagement on welfare and governance, saying: "As Roland Garros looks to post record revenues, players are receiving a declining share of the value they help create... The grand slams remain resistant to change." They called for a formal consultation mechanism and reforms to ensure the sport's long-term health.
Background of the Dispute
The players initially outlined proposals in letters to all four grand slams in March 2025, seeking contributions to a player welfare fund covering pensions, healthcare, and maternity leave. Meetings at Roland Garros last season yielded little progress, with further discussions delayed. Ben Shelton, world No. 6, told The Independent that players are "at the bottom" compared to other sports in terms of prize money as a percentage of revenue.
Prize money figures for recent grand slams show: 2025 US Open £66.3 million (champions £3.74 million), 2026 Australian Open £55.5 million (champions £2.1 million), 2026 Roland Garros £53.7 million (champions £2.4 million), and 2025 Wimbledon £53.5 million (champions £3 million). The players remain united in their advocacy for meaningful progress and constructive dialogue.
