Novak Djokovic rebukes Aryna Sabalenka’s boycott threat in prize-money spat
Sabalenka hints at potential Grand Slam boycotts over prize money concernsAryna Sabalenka, the world number one in women’s tennis, has hinted that players may consider boycotting Grand Slams if prize money doesn’t increase. Sabalenka and men’s top-ranked player Jannik Sinner were among several stars who released a statement on Monday criticising the prize money on offer at the upcoming French Open.
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Sabalenka hints at potential Grand Slam boycotts over prize money concerns Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one in women’s tennis, has hinted that players may consider boycotting Grand Slams if prize money doesn’t increase. Sabalenka and men’s top-ranked player Jannik Sinner were among several stars who released a statement on Monday criticising the prize money on offer at the upcoming French Open. Last month, it was announced that Roland Garros would raise its total prize fund by 10% to £53.
5 million, which is an increase of £4. 6 million from 2025. The players argue that this increase doesn’t reflect their true share of tournament revenue, which they claim has dropped from 15.
5% to a projected 14. 9% for the 2026 event. Coco Gauff said she could see players joining a boycott, while four-time champion Iga Swiatek described it as “a bit extreme”.
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images Novak Djokovic praises Aryna Sabalenka after call for boycott Sabalenka’s comments were put to Djokovic ahead of the Italian Open, and he was quick to throw his support behind her stance. He said: “I think you’ve been around the tour long enough to I think remember the times when I was a president of the council, when I was also forming PTPA, which is now six years ago. “So you guys know my position on that.