Emma Raducanu has been asked to deliver her thoughts on the prospect of boycotting the Grand Slams, and did not give an answer that will have pleased Aryna Sabalenka or Coco Gauff.
After all, it was the world number one who actually brought this debate to life, speaking about it at her press conference ahead of the Italian Open.
It has been a topic mooted over the past few years, but never before has it exploded into mainstream discussion seemingly overnight.
Seemingly out of nowhere, the threat of a boycott seems genuine.
However, comments like Emma Raducanu’s will certainly not help their cause.
Emma Raducanu goes against Aryna Sabalenka’s boycott claim
After all, whilst Sabalenka threatened that players could boycott, the Brit wasted no time in quashing that notion.
Speaking just before Raducanu withdrew from the Italian Open due to illness, the 22-year-old argued that she would always play the majors because ‘to me, they are tennis’.
Do you think Emma Raducanu’s stance is correct? 🤔
She added, speaking to BBC Sport: “It gives you something that money can’t and that is what is the most important to me, and what I value the most.
“I wouldn’t be a part of [a boycott] but each to their own.”
Alas, this is not a suggestion to improve the coffers of the world’s top players, but rather to help those at the other end of the spectrum who need greater financial support.
Coco Gauff also said that she would boycott Grand Slams if they gained the widespread support of their fellow players, which Raducanu has now proven they do not.
Why Aryna Sabalenka wants players to boycott Grand Slams
The main reason behind Aryna Sabalenka’s rallying cry for a boycott is to improve finances, and her argument is sound.
After all, whilst sports like Baseball and Basketball offer around 50% of the revenue share to the players, tennis is far more reserved. Roland Garros, for example, offers just 14.9% for the players, a pitiful return.
Speaking at her media day, the Belarusian therefore argued: “I think at some point we will boycott it. I feel like that’s going to be the only way to kind of fight for our rights.
“I feel like the show is on us. I feel like without us, there wouldn’t be a tournament, and there wouldn’t be that entertainment.
“I just really hope that we at some point are going to get to the right decision, to the conclusion that everyone will be happy with.
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“I feel like nowadays, we girls can easily get together and go for this because some of the things I feel like it’s really unfair to the players.”
Sabalenka and those who agree with her boycott claim are also seeking increased power when it comes to scheduling too.
