Top tennis players at Roland Garros are pushing for higher prize money and better welfare support from Grand Slam organisers.
Aryna Sabalenka shortened her media appearance at the French Open as tensions grew over an ongoing dispute between players and organisers.
Players competing at French Open are demanding a larger share of tournament revenue, improved healthcare, pension contributions and maternity support. They also want greater involvement in scheduling and tournament decisions to reduce late-night matches and longer playing calendars.
The group is asking Grand Slam tournaments to increase prize money distribution to 22% of revenue by 2030, arguing that the current offer of 15% from Roland Garros organisers is too low.
Although this year’s French Open prize pool increased by 9.5%, players pointed out that prize money rose by around 20% at last year’s US Open and nearly 16% at the Australian Open earlier this year.
Amelie Mauresmo, the French Open tournament director, said she was “very sad” about the dispute but remained confident of a solution. Mauresmo and French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton are expected to meet with former WTA chairman Larry Scott, who is representing the players.
Several players refused to discuss whether a future boycott of Grand Slam tournaments could happen if negotiations fail. Taylor Fritz said it was too early for major threats but admitted stronger action could eventually become part of discussions.
The growing disagreement has increased pressure on tennis authorities ahead of the later stages of the French Open.