Jannik Sinner has played a major role in the push for a greater share of the revenues at Grand Slams.
Leading up to Roland Garros, several players, including Aryna Sabalenka, suggested they would boycott major tournaments in the future.
Not prepared to go quite that far in Paris, many players committed to a media protest, walking out of press conferences at the 15-minute mark.
Will players regret their decision to walk out of press conferences at Roland Garros?
Tensions are high in Paris!
Explaining his decision to join the protest, Sinner outlined what else he wants to see change.
Jannik Sinner wants progress on pensions and decision-making
During his pre-tournament press conference, Sinner was asked about the 15-minute protest.
“Yes, I think many players are doing that,” he said.
“But it’s nothing against journalists, we are very happy to do it, the obligations.
“We are just limiting, trying to put ourselves in a position where we have a small say.
“It’s right to do so, as I said in Rome, already we’ve waited one year to have a small response, here we are trying to start something now.
“But again, nothing against you, we are here, doing our obligations.”
Sinner was then asked if the players plan to raise the stakes if the Grand Slams don’t respond.
“We need to see… It takes all players, all players are very connected, and we’re all very much together, I think it’s something good, because without us, events are not possible,” he said.
“As I also said in Rome, it’s about respect.
“When you have to wait a year for a small response… It’s not nice.
“At the same time, I hear talking only about prize money, but we’re also talking about pensions, which is a very important topic.
“And also the decision-making.
“Who decides if they start three of the four Grand Slams on Sunday?
“We don’t know if they want to start Saturday or Friday, so we would like to have a small conversation.
“Let’s see where we go, and let’s see also how other Grand Slams react after here.”
As Sinner rightly said, the ball is now in the Grand Slams’ court…
Jannik Sinner shares whether he would have skipped the Italian Open if it wasn’t held in Rome
Sinner has played a lot of tennis this year.
Since losing to Jakub Mensik in the quarter-finals of the Qatar Open, the world number one hasn’t lost a match, winning Indian Wells, the Miami Open, the Monte Carlo Masters, the Madrid Open, and the Italian Open.
Playing so many matches, many thought Sinner would skip the Italian Open.
During his press conference, the 24-year-old highlighted several reasons why he chose to play the event.
“Tough to say, I think being in Italy, for sure, was an extra motivation,” said Sinner.
“It was also the only Masters event I was missing; that was an extra motivation.
Jannik Sinner’s record at Masters 1000 events
| Event | Titles | Win/Loss record | Win % |
| Indian Wells | 1 (2026) | 17-3 | 85% |
| Miami Open | 2 (2024, 2026) | 25-3 | 89% |
| Monte Carlo Masters | 1 (2026) | 15-4 | 79% |
| Madrid Open | 1 (2026) | 12-2 | 86% |
| Italian Open | 1 (2026) | 20-6 | 77% |
| Canadian Open | 1 (2023) | 7-3 | 70% |
| Cincinnati Open | 1 (2024) | 12-4 | 75% |
| Shanghai Masters | 1 (2024) | 9-2 | 82% |
| Paris Masters | 1 (2025) | 6-2 | 75% |
“But at the same time, the thing is now, with these longer events, if you don’t play one event, it’s not one week, it’s basically two weeks out.
“That’s a very long time if you don’t play before Roland Garros, you have three weeks off, depending on when you lose in Madrid.
“Potentially four weeks!
“You also need to come here with a decent amount of matches and have this match feeling.
“It’s a question I cannot answer, but I would say I would still play [Rome if it wasn’t his home tournament].”
He also looked ahead to Roland Garros, providing an update on his energy levels.
“It’s been a very long, but very positive period,” said Sinner.
“I’m lucky to be in this position. It’s always better to be in a position where you win, and you start to feel tired, than feeling very good but you lose a couple of rounds.
“But, I try to have a good balance now, at the practice courts, with pushing, understanding when to push, and hopefully be ready for the first-round match.
“Very happy to be back here, it’s a very special tournament, since the first time I’ve played here.
“Also, the excitement helps you to find a bit more energy during the tournament.”
Sinner is aware that players will raise their level against him, but he is keeping focused, approaching each match as it comes.
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“Everyone is trying, but that’s also the most normal thing,” he said.
“You need to be ready.
“Best of five matches, they are a bit different, it gives you a little bit more time to understand how to beat a player, even if you have a wrong start.
“Potentially, you can find a way in.
“So, let’s see. I’m very sure that I have some very tough matches in front of me, so I try to focus on myself.”
Sinner will begin his Roland Garros campaign on Tuesday, May 26, against the Frenchman, Clement Tabur.
