Tennis Stars Cap French Open Media at 10 Minutes Over 15% Prize-Money Share
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 22
Tennis Stars Cap French Open Media at 10 Minutes Over 15% Prize-Money Share
14 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 22
French Open players plan a one-day media protest, ending pre-tournament news conferences after 10 minutes and skipping additional media-day interviews with tournament outlets, TNT Sports and Eurosport.
The 10-plus-5-minute format is meant to spotlight the group’s claim that Grand Slams devote only about 15% of revenue to prize money; top men and women want that share raised to 22%.
The French Open’s 2026 prize pool rose 9.5% to $72.3 million, but players say that still leaves compensation below the revenue split seen at joint ATP and WTA events.
FFT officials, including president Gilles Moretton and tournament director Amélie Mauresmo, are due to meet player representatives on May 22, while Wimbledon and U.S. Open talks are expected later in Paris.
The protest extends a campaign that already included two letters to the Slams and now also seeks stronger player-welfare funding, more governance input and a Grand Slam Player Council.
As tournament revenues boom, why is the players' slice of the financial pie actually shrinking?
Could a player boycott at Wimbledon become the biggest disruption to tennis since 1973?
2026 French Open Media Boycott: Top Players Push for 22% Revenue Share Amid Prize Money Dispute
Overview
As of May 22, 2026, top tennis players like Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff are leading a coordinated media protest at Roland Garros, limiting press conferences and refusing extra interviews. This action follows growing frustration over prize money distribution and a lack of progress in talks with Grand Slam organizers, despite meetings held since last year. The protest aims to highlight players’ demands for a fairer share of tournament revenues, with tensions rising after earlier suggestions of a possible boycott. The players’ unified stance signals a serious push for change as the French Open approaches.