Becker backs tennis players' protest over grand slam prize money
Former world number one Boris Becker has backed tennis players in their protest action for more prize money at grand slam tournaments. Becker said at a Eurosport media event ahead of Sunday's French Open start that the issue was especially important for lower tier players to make a living from their sport. Players are protesting in Paris by keeping their respective media duties to 15 minutes, with women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka saying that "15 minutes are better than zero" before leaving when the quarter of an hour was up.
Becker said: "I can understand the players, a tennis career can be over tomorrow. "Yes, for goodness' sake, if you make so much money then spend it on prize money in the opening rounds as well for players who need it to survive," he said in the direction of the four majors. French Open tournament director Amélie Mauresmo said she was "a bit saddened" by the the protests.
She said there will be no changes but talks would be initiated. Players say they are not receiving enough money from the ever growing revenue of the grand slams although prize money has been steadily increased, in Paris by 9. 5% from 2025 to €61.
7 million ($71. 7 million). Prize money makes up 12 to 16% of the income and the players want it raised to 22%.
Players have to pay for their travel and accommodation around the world and must also come up for their coaches and entourage such as physiotherapists. Only a few players can manage this without problems. Becker admitted that the players' demands were difficult to understand for the average person who would consider the players greedy which however was not the case.