Ben Shelton is one of the many top players currently embroiled in a battle with the Grand Slam tournaments.
They are seeking to find a solution that will see the pay disparity within the sport shrink, facilitated by these events offering players a greater share of the revenue.
Currently, they only receive around 14% of the money generated at Roland Garros in prize money. Other sports see that figure closer to 50%.
It is a valid argument, and one that needs making if those at the lower end of the sport are to survive financially.
Will players regret their decision to walk out of press conferences at Roland Garros?
Tensions are high in Paris!
However, thus far, there have only been threats of boycotts, with this 15-minute media cut-off their only real action of note to date.
That being said, Ben Shelton has warned that players are willing to do much, much more.
Ben Shelton speaks about the player protests at Roland Garros press conferences
Speaking at his press conference, the American number one insisted: “From what I’ve heard, I think that players are… especially top players are willing to do more than most people think.”
He continued: “You know, the first that kind of really came out and said something strong about it was Aryna, who is obviously a world number one, right?
“But I think for us, you know, a lot of the talk is about the prize money, which was part of our letter, but it’s not the only piece of it. We want a seat at the table, you know, we want to be able to be heard, respected, you know, there’s other issues, whether it’s pension, benefits that solely land on the ATP or bonus pool, all other things that I think have been considered.
“I think Coco said something about this also, but we’re not just trying to look out for ourselves or line our pockets. I think that everyone knows how much revenue these tournaments are making, and sometimes for a player who’s 150 in the world or 200 in the world, this is, you know, the one tournament where they get a big check.
“At a Challenger, I think maybe if you win the tournament, you get, like, seven grand. Adding prize money in a tournament like this four times a year can really help keep their year in the green instead of the red.
Is Ben Shelton in danger of an early exit at Roland Garros?
He's struggled since winning in Munich…
“And I think that, you know, the players are playing at such a high level, and we have so many talented players in the top 200 and even outside, that you should be able to make a living playing this sport being ranked at that place, and that’s not the case right now.”
Given Aryna Sabalenka has threatened to boycott Grand Slams completely for this cause, and has been backed by plenty of other superstars as well, perhaps this is the level Shelton suggested they might take it to if needed.
Ben Shelton admits his struggles on clay courts this season
Shelton started his European clay-court season in perfect fashion when he won the title in Munich.
However, since then, things have not gone so smoothly.
Consecutive first-round losses in Madrid and Rome have seen some lose confidence in the 24-year-old, fearing for his chances at Roland Garros this year.
Shelton remains confident and calm though, despite admitting: “My season has been very inconsistent. Honestly, I’m somewhat disappointed with my year, although when I look at the Race, I’m sixth. Inconsistency has been the major issue I’m trying to correct.”
Then, discussing the clay, he added: “Sometimes I feel I reach an elite level on clay, and other times I realise I still need to improve certain movement patterns a lot. I have to become a better player on this surface.
“The big challenge for me is to discover what my identity is on clay.”
