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Sabalenka’s Boycott Warning Divides Stars as Pay Dispute Intensifies

Players press for a larger cut of Grand Slam revenue ahead of Roland Garros.

Overview

  • Aryna Sabalenka said top players may skip Grand Slams to force a fairer prize-money deal.
  • Reactions split across the locker room as Coco Gauff backed the idea and called for union-style organization, while Iga Swiatek called a boycott extreme and Emma Raducanu said she would not join.
  • A joint group of leading players said Roland Garros took in about €395 million in 2025 with players getting roughly 14–15% and asked for a 22% share, citing a €2.8 million winners’ check that they say masks a shrinking overall slice.
  • Commentators Marcus Buckland and Sam Querrey said a mass walkout is unlikely, with Querrey putting the odds under 5 percent.
  • Kim Clijsters urged talks with French Open organizers and said higher pay should reach lower-ranked players, noting data that only 446 women have earned over $10,000 on the WTA Tour this year.