Overview
- Sabalenka, who spoke Tuesday in Rome, said she is ready to skip the four majors if that is the only way to win a fairer payout.
- Top names from both tours said they are profoundly disappointed that players will likely receive under 15% of revenues, even as Roland-Garros set a €61.7 million prize pool for 2026 after a 9.5% rise.
- Players have asked since April 2025 for 22% of Grand Slam revenues, which come from TV rights, ticket sales, and sponsors, to be returned as prize money.
- The French Tennis Federation said prize money is up 45% since 2019, with much of the 2026 increase directed to early-round and qualifying losers, and it said it remains open to talks.
- Coco Gauff backed Sabalenka’s stance and floated a formal union for leverage, while Iga Swiatek called a boycott extreme and urged negotiation before Roland-Garros.