Jannik Sinner is reportedly considering boycotting the US Open's recently introduced mixed doubles event amid a dispute over prize money. The World No.1 is among a group of players demanding a significant increase in the prize money offered at Grand Slam tournaments.
Background of the Dispute
The US Open revamped its mixed doubles competition last year. Sinner was originally scheduled to play alongside Katerina Siniakova but withdrew due to illness. The tournament saw Carlos Alcaraz team up with British No.1 Emma Raducanu, while Novak Djokovic partnered with Olga Danilovic. The event took place before the singles draw.
Last year's winners, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, claimed a prize of $1 million (approximately £745,000). However, according to The Times, players including Sinner are threatening to boycott the event unless the prize pot is increased and player welfare improvements are made.
Broader Player Protests
This threat is the latest in a series of actions by players seeking a larger share of Grand Slam revenue. During the recent French Open, some players limited their pre-tournament media availability to just 15 minutes as part of the protest.
On Thursday, Wimbledon announced that the total prize money for this year's tournament has increased by £10.7 million. The champion will receive £3.6 million, while first-round losers are guaranteed £80,000. The total prize pot has risen by 25% compared to last year.
Despite this increase, players have made it clear that they want 22% of the total revenue generated by Grand Slams, a threshold that has not yet been reached.
Wimbledon's Response
All England Club chair Deborah Jevans addressed the situation, stating: "We've always been clear that we're on the side of the players, in the sense that we want to have a fantastic Wimbledon for them. But using revenue to determine prize money, it just makes no sense, and we have said that to Larry Scott (the players' representative)."
She added: "Revenue does not take into account the investments that we make. We're not-for-profit, we're very different to a Masters 1000 event, everything goes back into the sport. So, I am frustrated that that message hasn't gotten across, but we have constant dialogue with Larry in this regard, and we're hoping that, with your help, that message will get across for the players to understand the investment back into the game, which is so very, very important, and that allows us to be sustainable, and it will do into the future."
