Taylor Fritz has given his verdict on the current dispute between players and Grand Slams over pay.
Players including Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Jannik Sinner have stated that they are ready to boycott Grand Slams in the future over the current share of Grand Slam revenue players receive in prize money.
This is currently around 15%, whereas players are thought to be targeting a 22% share instead and top players have already confirmed they are reducing the amount of media commitments they are doing at Roland Garros this year.
Fritz, who only returned to the tour last week after a two-month absence due to a knee injury, has now expressed his own frustrations surrounding the current situation.
Taylor Fritz says if he would boycott Grand Slams due to pay dispute
Fritz was asked about the current situation in his pre-tournament press conference at Roland Garros, to which he responded by claiming that Grand Slams have been ‘disrespectful’ to the players.
“We have been pretty patient with our requests,” said Fritz, as reported by Bola Amarela. “It’s disrespectful that we have been ignored.”
However, when Fritz was asked about the idea of boycotting a major tournament, he suggested that it would not be something he is willing to do.
“A boycott is a very serious matter and, at least for me, it’s not an option at this time,” said Fritz.
Fritz is not the only player to take this stance, with both Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu also distancing themselves from a boycott.
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Taylor Fritz provides injury update ahead of Roland Garros
Fritz played his first clay court tournament of the year at the Geneva Open earlier this week, where he lost his only match against Alexei Popyrin.
When asked about the tendinitis in his knee that forced him out of action, Fritz revealed that his team actually were the reason he missed tournaments in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome, but he did not want to miss the entire clay court season.
“My knee felt good last week playing,” said Fritz. “I wanted to rush and play Madrid and Rome, but I took the proper time that was recommended.
“I still feel it from time to time. Based on scans I’m improving but I still needed that time off to feel good and ready.
“After Miami my team told me if I decided to play Monte-Carlo, they wouldn’t travel with me. That made my decision to miss the events easier.”
Fritz added, “The decision in the end was to come back on clay because we think it’s better for the knee.”
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As he looks to return to winning ways at Roland Garros, Fritz will take on his compatriot Nishesh Basavareddy in the first round.
Fritz lost in the first round of Roland Garros last year, and will be hoping to avoid doing the same again when he plays Basavareddy on Sunday, May 24.
