Many of tennis’ best players cut short their Roland Garros pre-tournament press conferences in protest against the prize money on offer at the Parisian Grand Slam.
The likes of Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner, all ended their respective press conferences after only 15 minutes.
The protest was held amid ongoing disputes surrounding the prize money on offer at Grand Slam events.
Is a French Open boycott realistic?
Players aren't happy with the prize money on offer…
Many players believe a greater portion of major tournament revenue should be allocated in prize money. Players currently receive around 15 per cent of the total revenue; they would like this total to be increased to 22 per cent.
Anastasia Potapova, who recently reached the Madrid Open final, has described the media walkout as ‘nonsense.’
Anastasia Potapova calls out ‘nonsense’ media protest by WTA players at Roland Garros
“If you want my honest opinion on that, I think media guys have nothing to do with our prize money,” Potapova said of the media protest during her pre-tournament press conference in Paris.
“You don’t pay us, right?
“So how can we boycott somebody who’s also getting paid from the same tournament?
“So I think, for me, it’s a little bit nonsense. I’m not really into this.
“Here I am and talking to you as much as I want. As much as you want as well.”
The issue of prize money has become a heightened issue on the tennis circuit over the past month.
Following the announcement of the French Open prize money, a joint statement issued by the likes of Sabalenka, Coco Gauff and Jannik Sinner, called for a greater share of tournament revenue to be allocated in prize money.
Following this statement, Aryna Sabalenka stated that players could ‘boycott’ future Grand Slam events, should a resolution not be found.
French Tennis Federation agrees to make new proposals concerning prize money
On Thursday, French Open Tournament Director Amelie Mauresmo stated that the amount of prize money on offer at this year’s event will not change, despite players’ complaints.
“No, we are not going to change anything,” Mauresmo said to the Associated Press, as reported by NBC Sports. “We are going to initiate discussions and that is what everyone wants.”
Mauresmo also said that she remained open to speaking with players and was confident of finding an appropriate solution.
On Saturday, representatives of the French Tennis Federation (FFT) spoke to leading agents about ongoing player concerns.
As reported by The Guardian, the FFT have agreed to make concrete proposals about increased prize money, player welfare and representation – within the next month.
