Daniil Medvedev has weighed into the discussion around players boycotting Grand Slams due to prize money issues.
Medvedev has responded to the likes of Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, all of whom have supported the idea of a boycott from Grand Slams in the future.
Players’ frustrations stem from the amount of tournament revenue they are currently being awarded with in prize money, which is currently around 15%, with a 22% target currently being suggested.
After Medvedev lost to Sinner in the Italian Open semifinals, he revealed if he would also be open to boycotting Grand Slams in the future.
Daniil Medvedev ‘wouldn’t have an issue’ with taking a boycott from Grand Slams
Medvedev spoke to Russian outlet Bolshe after his exit from the Italian Open, where he was asked about the boycott and Sinner’s stance on it with Roland Garros now just a week away.
Is a French Open boycott realistic?
Players aren't happy with the prize money on offer…
The former US Open champion called Sinner ‘the leader’ as the current world number one, with Medvedev backing the Italian and claiming he would not have an issue with boycotting Grand Slams in the future.
“Honestly, Jannik is the leader and the biggest star in tennis right now. As for my take, look naturally I represent the players, I am a player, so I support the players’ perspective,” said Medvedev.
“Based on the data we have been given, it really feels like the Slams are underpaying the players and if that’s true, as Jannik rightly said, it’s not a question of money in his case nor mine, it’s about doing what’s right and respect. If the figures we have been given are accurate then we need to stand together on a united front, when players united they can achieve anything (laughs).
“But since Jannik is leading the charge, we should follow Jannik and keep putting pressure on the Slams. As for a boycott, I don’t know how far it will go, but I certainly wouldn’t have an issue with it. If the players decide on that, I’m completely on board.”
Who will win the Italian Open final?
Jannik Sinner vs Casper Ruud
What is the prize money at Roland Garros this year?
Roland Garros has announced record prize money for this year’s tournament, with a total 9.53% increase from 2025.
The biggest increase in the singles draws has come in the qualifying draws, where prize money has risen by 12.9%.
This year’s Roland Garros champion will be awarded with €2,800,000, which is a 9.8% increase on what last year’s winners Carlos Alcaraz and Gauff received.
| Event | Winner | Finalist | Semifinals | Quarterfinals | Round of 16 | Round of 32 | Round of 64 | Round of 128 | Q3 | Q2 | Q1 |
| 2025 | €2,550,000 | €1,275,000 | €690,000 | €440,000 | €265,000 | €168,000 | €117,000 | €78,000 | €43,000 | €29,500 | €21,000 |
| 2026 | €2,800,000 | €1,400,000 | €750,000 | €470,000 | €285,000 | €187,000 | €130,000 | €87,000 | €48,000 | €33,000 | €24,000 |
However, it does not appear that the underlying issue of revenue share has been addressed and therefore the debate over a potential boycott looks set to continue.
Roland Garros will get underway next week, with the main draw starting on Sunday, May 24.
