Coco Gauff responds to Aryna Sabalenka’s comments on potential Grand Slam boycott
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images Prize money remains a topic of ongoing debate in tennis, and it was put to several top players at the Italian Open whether boycotting Grand Slams could become an option. World number one Aryna Sabalenka suggested that a boycott is possible down the line, while Coco Gauff believes it could become a serious consideration if prize money concerns remain unaddressed. Iga Swiatek, meanwhile, stopped short of endorsing such action.
Instead, she emphasised the need for further talks with tournament organisers to address the ongoing disputes. Coco Gauff open to Grand Slam boycott if tennis stars are united Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images Gauff was first asked about where she stood on Sabalenka’s comments and whether a boycott was possible. She responded: “Yeah, honestly, I kind of agree with that, just taking what the WNBA kind of accomplished.
They also have a union, so I think that helps. ” “I definitely think, from the things I’ve seen with other sports, usually to make massive progress and things like this, it takes a union. Yeah, we have to become unionized in some way.
“Yeah, I mean, I think you can put pressure on media, media pressure and things like that. “For all of us showing up everyone’s going to act as normal. “I definitely agree with her on that standpoint.
I think a few other players agree too. ” Gauff said she hasn’t been part of any direct talks about boycotting but made it clear she’d be open to it if there was strong backing across the board. When asked for her perspective on some of the biggest challenges facing tennis players today, Gauff pointed to income gaps outside the top ranks.