Novak Djokovic didn’t participate in the media protest at Roland Garros, while many others agreed to walk out of press conferences at the 15-minute mark in a push for change.
During his press conference, Djokovic explained why he didn’t join the protest.
“I was not part of the process, plan, or decision-making. So I’m not part of that at all, and I can’t comment on that. What I can keep doing is advocating for players, like I always did,” said Djokovic.
Will players regret their decision to walk out of press conferences at Roland Garros?
Tensions are high in Paris!
Former world number one Daniil Medvedev was later asked about Djokovic’s decision and if it reduced the effectiveness of the protest.
Daniil Medvedev doesn’t think Novak Djokovic’s decision ‘hurts the message’ of the media protest
Players agreed to walk out of their press conferences after 15 minutes, in reference to the 15% revenue share they will receive at Roland Garros.
However, they didn’t forego their media obligations entirely, a protest that would have led to fines.
Medvedev was first asked if he believes players would be willing to skip media day in the future.
“Tough question, I think, at the moment, you know, what we want as the players, and it’s good, because this is probably the first time in my span on the tour, where players are really united,” he said.
“We don’t want to hurt ourselves, we don’t want to hurt anyone, we just want a discussion with the Slams.
“We feel like maybe they are not wanting enough to discuss.
“So we’re trying some steps to have this discussion.
“I don’t think what we are doing is really bad, because it’s a one-time thing, to see how it goes.
“I think there is some progress, so we’re just trying to be heard and to be heard by the Grand Slams.”
The Russian then commented on Djokovic’s decision.
“I think it’s not a problem, because I always said that everyone can make their own decisions and that’s great,” said Medvedev.
“When you can make your own decisions, that’s the best thing in life!
“Novak is experienced enough, mature enough, to know what he wants to do and doesn’t want to do, and he was always super productive for the players in different movements, different things.
“I don’t think it hurts the message itself.
“I don’t know if he did the media day already, but probably once he does or once he does, if he gets asked about this, he will say he supports us.
“But not with this exact media thing.
“So full support to Novak, and I’m sure he supports all the players.”
Djokovic has pushed for change throughout his career, through various avenues.
The Serb was once the president of the ATP Player Council, before leaving to help found the Professional Tennis Players Association.
Djokovic has since left the PTPA, but continues to support players in their fight for fairer revenue shares at Grand Slams, among other issues.
Who will Daniil Medvedev and Novak Djokovic play first at Roland Garros?
Putting the protest talk to the back of their minds, Medvedev and Djokovic will now set their sights on the first round of Roland Garros.
Medvedev will begin his French Open campaign against Australia’s Adam Walton.
The Aussie is 1-2 at the French Open, and has only won one tour-level match on clay this year.
Medvedev, a former quarter-finalist in Paris, should comfortably reach the second round, especially if he plays as well as he did in Rome.
Daniil Medvedev at the 2026 Italian Open
- 2R (Walkover)
- 3R [WIN] vs Pablo Llamas Ruiz, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2
- 4R [WIN] vs Thiago Agustin Tirante, 6-3, 6-2
- QF [WIN] vs Martin Landaluce, 1-6, 6-4, 7-5
- SF [LOSS] vs Jannik Sinner, 2-6, 7-5, 4-6
Djokovic, on the other hand, faces a tricky test in the first round against the big server, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
The Frenchman hasn’t quite progressed the way many expected after breaking through to win the 2024 Swiss Indoors, but he poses a unique challenge that Djokovic will be well aware of.
Luckily for Djokovic, they are expected to play their match during the night session on Court Philippe Chatrier.
The cooler conditions should, in theory, reduce the effectiveness of Mpetshi Perricard’s dominant serve.
Djokovic will play Mpetshi Perricard on Sunday, May 24, before Medvedev plays Walton on Monday, May 25.
