The standoff between players and Grand Slam organisers has reached a new level. Twenty of the sport's biggest names, including Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, issued a joint statement on Sunday criticising Roland-Garros' revenue distribution.
The numbers paint a stark picture. While the Paris tournament generated €395 million in revenue in 2025, a 14% year-on-year increase, the players' share has declined from 15.5% in 2024 to a projected 14.9% in 2026. The announced prize pool of €61.7 million represents a 9.5% increase, but athletes argue it pales in comparison to the tournament's growth.
The group is demanding a 22% share, in line with what ATP-WTA Combined 1000 events already provide. Signatories also condemn the lack of response to proposals made a year ago regarding player welfare programmes and representation in Grand Slam decision-making bodies.
On the men's side, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud, Taylor Fritz, Andrey Rublev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alex de Minaur signed the statement. Among the women, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, Jasmine Paolini, Emma Navarro, Zheng Qinwen, Paula Badosa and Mirra Andreeva joined the movement.
A crisis meeting is planned in Paris ahead of the tournament start on May 25. With projected revenues exceeding €400 million for 2026, the players believe the gap remains unacceptable. The message is clear: professional tennis demands a modernisation of its financial governance.
