Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner both spoke out against Grand Slam prize money this week.
Women’s world number one Sabalenka suggested players could start boycotting major tournaments.
Her ATP counterpart, Sinner, refused to rule out a Grand Slam boycott if the prize money doesn’t improve.
Is a French Open boycott realistic?
Players aren't happy with the prize money on offer…
2024 US Open finalist Jessica Pegula has now reacted to their comments and shared her thoughts on a potential boycott.
Jessica Pegula praises Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner but ‘hopes’ players don’t need to boycott
After winning her opening match in Rome, Pegula weighed in on the boycott debate during her press conference.
“I’ve been part of the initiative to try and have better communication with the Slams to get the prize money revenue higher, to get them involved in player welfare and pensions, all these different things,” she said.
“I think it was great that Jannik [Sinner] and Aryna [Sabalenka] were both very outspoken about it.
“I mean, I hope we don’t have to get to the point of a boycott. Obviously, that is, like, an extreme measure.
“I think at the end of the day, the point is that something kind of has to be done.
“I think to see them speak out was amazing because we’ve definitely been pushing for it, as far as myself and some other players, to just kind of rally the top players around this because they’re the biggest voices that we have in the sport.
“I’m down to do whatever we need to do, as long as we’re all on the same page. I think it’s been awesome just to see the men and the women come together, the top players. We’ve never had that before.”
Pegula was then asked if she had heard anything from Roland Garros or Wimbledon.
“Not that I know of right now, no. I think we’re just going to kind of continue to talk amongst ourselves,” she said.
She continued, highlighting the ‘insane difference’ in revenue share between tennis and other sports.
“I think it’s crazy. I think it’s an insane difference. Obviously, they’re different sports. They’re run differently, of course. When you see how drastic the numbers are…” said Pegula.
“But tennis has been a very old-school sport. I think it’s one of the things that needs to change. Sometimes change is good. Sometimes that means fighting for things.
“I think the Slams have kind of just gotten away with paying not that much because we’re a very individual sport. It’s hard to get players to come together. We’re not on a salary where football players or basketball players, whatever, can afford not to play. I think that’s also a different dynamic in that aspect.
“It’s going to take a lot for us to kind of come together, but I think you’re already seeing that.”
Pegula then shared how much time she’s invested in this issue.
“Yeah, I don’t know, I seem to just keep being the one. I think it’s just because I’m very candid. I’m not afraid to go up to any type of player and go like, Hey, are you interested in this or not?” she said.
“Some players, they don’t care; sometimes they’re not worried about it. Sometimes there’s like, Yeah, for sure, I’m 100% in.
“It hasn’t taken a ton of time. I definitely think I’ve been reaching out to players on the men’s and women’s side, especially just to see, like, where their heads are at.
“Being a little bit of a liaison between other people that are working on it and the players trying to get us on the same page.”
Finally, Pegula delivered her honest verdict on whether players could actually boycott a Grand Slam.
“Do I really think like nobody’s going to play in the top 100? I don’t know if that’s realistic to say that,” she said.
“But anything is possible.
“I think there are definitely other ways you could send a message, for sure.
“I wouldn’t rule it out. Obviously, it’s more of an extreme measure if we’re talking about it like that.”
Jessica Pegula makes dominant start in Rome
Away from the Grand Slam boycott drama, Pegula made a strong start to her Italian Open campaign.
Pegula defeated Zeynep Sonmez in her opening match, 6-4, 6-0.
Jessica Pegula vs Zeynep Sonmez – Match stats
| Stats | Jessica Pegula | Zeynep Sonmez |
| Aces | 2 | 1 |
| Double faults | 0 | 1 |
| 1st Serve % | 75% | 71% |
| Win % on 1st Serve | 72% | 4-% |
| Win % on 2nd Serve | 75% | 75% |
| Break points | 4/7 | 0/1 |
The world number five will return to take on Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova in the third round on Sunday, May 10.
