During media day at the Italian Open, several top players were asked if they would consider boycotting Grand Slams amid disputes over prize money.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka said she thinks a boycott could happen in the future.
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But, six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek wasn’t quite ready to commit to a boycott, instead calling for further talks with Roland Garros.
Now, American star Coco Gauff has shared her thoughts.
Coco Gauff can ‘100% see’ players boycotting a Grand Slam on one condition
First, Gauff was asked for her stance on Sabalenka’s comments and a potential boycott.
“Yeah, honestly, I kind of agree with that, just taking what the WNBA kind of accomplished. They also have a union, so I think that helps,” she said.
“I definitely think, from the things I’ve seen with other sports, usually to make massive progress and things like this, it takes a union. Yeah, we have to become unionized in some way.
“Yeah, I mean, I think you can put pressure on media, media pressure, and things like that.
“For all of us showing up, everyone’s going to act as normal.
“I definitely agree with her on that standpoint. I think a few other players agree, too.”
Gauff shared that she hadn’t been a part of any boycott discussions, but explained that she would be willing to if everyone agreed.
“I’ve never been a part of any real discussion regarding that, like where it comes to something as big as a boycott,” she said.
“Maybe there have been other discussions between other players, but I’ve never talked really to anyone about it on tour.
“If everyone were to move as one and collaborate, yeah, I can 100% see that [happening].
“It’s not about me.
“It’s about the future of our sport.”
Gauff continued, highlighting some of the biggest problems tennis faces.
“The current players who aren’t getting, I guess, as much benefits maybe as even some of the top players are getting when it comes to like sponsorship and things like that. We’re making money off court,” she said.
“When you look at the 50 to 100, 50 to 200, how much money each slam makes, it’s kind of unfortunate where the 200 best tennis players are living paycheck to paycheck, whereas in other sports it’s not even a discussion.
“I definitely think, like I said, if we all collectively agree, then yes.
“I wouldn’t want to just be the only one because people talk about it. I’m just like, Yeah. Then I’m like the only one not playing. That is where there needs to be a real discussion.
“I think that is something we as players have to talk amongst ourselves and do it, and talk with each other and decide what’s best.
“But we definitely can move more as a collective.
“I feel like we’re doing well, though.
“The progress we made since last year to now, just having the top 10 all agree on something, is, I think, the first that’s happened in our sport in a long time.
“I do think there’s progress, but we can do more, for sure.”
In 2025, the top players on both tours sent a letter to the Grand Slams requesting a fairer share of the revenues.
Progress has been made, but there is still more work to be done.
The French Open recently announced record prize money for this year’s event, but the revenue share is still well below what players are asking for.
With shareholders prioritising profits, unless the players can organise something as significant as a boycott, it’s unlikely they will ever receive what they deserve.
What ATP Tour players must do to apply pressure to the Grand Slams
The women have done their part, making their feelings heard on the Italian Open media day.
Next up, it’s the men, and when they are asked the same questions, they cannot afford to shy away.
As Sabalenka and Gauff have both said, the players must be united on this issue, and unless everyone speaks up, nothing will change.
When the likes of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic step into the media room for their pre-tournament press conferences, they need to echo what their WTA colleagues said.
Will the players stick together on this issue?
Only time will tell.
