Several top players, including Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, are planning to cut their pre-tournament press conferences short in protest of the prize money on offer at Roland Garros.
But will the 24-time Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic, join them?
Will players regret their decision to walk out of press conferences at Roland Garros?
Tensions are high in Paris!
He answered that very question during his press conference.
Novak Djokovic confirms he isn’t involved in the Roland Garros media protest
Speaking ahead of his 22nd French Open tournament, Djokovic delivered his verdict on the planned media protest.
“I was not part of the process, plan or decision making,” he said.
“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.
“Not only the top players. The lower-ranked as well.
“We should learn from golf and be more united. Now it’s the time.”
Some of the biggest names in tennis plan to walk out of their press conferences at the 15-minute mark, in reference to the 15% revenue share the players will receive at Roland Garros.
The players are demanding 22%, and many are considering boycotting Grand Slams in the future to force change.
This time around, a media protest is as far as they are willing to go, although Djokovic won’t be joining them.
Even so, French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo isn’t happy with the planned protest.
“What I want to say is that we regret this decision concerning the press conference,” she said.
Russian star Andrey Rublev was one of the players who agreed to the protest and shared his thoughts during his press conference.
“It’s not just about money, it’s about many other things. We sent an email, and they don’t reply for months… We don’t feel heard because they don’t answer us,” he said.
“It’s more about whether we’re together and trying to do something together to help the sport grow and for everyone to feel comfortable, but it can’t just be about using the players, and that’s it.
“And sometimes you don’t even treat them well. Thanks to them, you’re generating all the money.”
It remains to be seen if Roland Garros and the other Grand Slams will cave in and increase revenue shares.
If they don’t, we could see the severity of these protests ramp up over the coming months…
Novak Djokovic provides fitness update ahead of Roland Garros
Away from the prize money drama, Djokovic has his sights firmly set on the Roland Garros main draw.
During his press conference, the Serb shared how he is feeling physically ahead of the second Grand Slam of the year.
“Grand Slams are always my priority,” said Djokovic.
“I’m doing my best to be in good shape enough to play best-of-five sets for two weeks.
“Let’s see if that’s possible but I can’t wait to be out on court.”
Djokovic seemed positive, despite playing just one match on clay this year.
“I wanted to go to Rome and give it a go despite being far from ready,” he said.
“I needed at least that one match.
“The preparation has been positive in the last 10 days. So here I am!”
Missing Monte Carlo and Madrid, Djokovic played his first clay-court tournament of the year in Rome.
There, he met the Croatian youngster, Dino Prizmic.
Djokovic made a fine start, playing the brand of tennis that saw him win three French Open titles, but couldn’t maintain that level for three sets.
After winning the opening set 6-2, Djokovic began to struggle physically, as his opponent forced a decider on Campo Centrale.
Novak Djokovic vs Dino Prizmic – Match stats
| Stats | Novak Djokovic | Dino Prizmic |
| Aces | 0 | 3 |
| Double faults | 1 | 2 |
| 1st Serve % | 63% | 59% |
| Win % on 1st Serve | 70% | 70% |
| Win % on 2nd Serve | 58% | 63% |
| Break points | 2/4 | 3/6 |
Prizmic was victorious in said decider, defeating Djokovic, 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, picking up the biggest win of his professional career.
Has Djokovic made the necessary improvements over the last 10 days to avoid another early exit in Paris? Only time will tell.
Djokovic will play his first-round match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on Sunday, May 24.
