Leading tennis players criticise prize money distribution and call for better welfare ahead of the 2026 French Open

A group of top tennis stars, including Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff, has voiced their disappointment over the prize money at this year’s Roland Garros, despite the tournament’s organisers announcing a 10% increase to the total prize pool.

With the French Open set to begin on May 24, the players have raised concerns not only about the prize money but also about broader issues of player welfare, representation, and governance. The group has demanded a more equitable distribution of the tournament’s revenue, as well as better healthcare and pensions for players. This statement comes after French Open organisers confirmed that the prize money has increased to 61.7 million euros ($72.1 million), up by 5.3 million euros ($6.2 million) from 2025.

However, the players argue that the increase is insufficient and that their share of the tournament’s revenue is steadily decreasing. The players highlighted that, in 2024, they received 15.5% of Roland Garros’ revenue, but this is projected to drop to 14.9% in 2026. Despite a significant rise in the tournament’s overall revenue, €395 million ($462 million) in 2025, a 14% increase from the previous year, prize money has only grown by 5.4%, causing the players’ share to shrink further.

The figures suggest a widening gap between the financial success of the tournament and the compensation received by the athletes. For example, both the men’s and women’s singles champions will earn 2.8 million euros ($3.27 million), while first-round losers receive 87,000 euros ($101,897). While the overall increase in prize money seems promising, the players argue that it falls short of what they believe is fair compensation for their role in driving the event’s success.

The group of players also pointed out that their demands go beyond just prize money. In a letter sent to the heads of the four Grand Slam tournaments last year, they called for more player involvement in decision-making processes that directly affect their careers. They also pushed for better player welfare, including pensions and long-term healthcare, but claim they have received no response from the tournament organisers.

While other major sports have made strides in modernising governance and improving player welfare, tennis remains resistant to change, the players argue. They are frustrated by the lack of transparency and fair representation in Grand Slam decision-making processes. According to them, the absence of meaningful consultation with players reflects a system that fails to prioritise the needs of those who are central to the sport’s success.

As Roland Garros approaches, these issues are likely to remain a focal point for both the players and the broader tennis community. The players’ united stance highlights a growing demand for reform, not only in prize money distribution but also in the governance structures that shape the future of the sport.