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Tennis players are planning to limit their time at press conferences as part of protests over French Open prize money.
It is understood players plan to keep their media appearances to a minimum at Roland Garros, including at Friday’s pre-tournament media day where they are set to walk out after 15 minutes.
The French Tennis Federation said it regretted the players’ decision but a statement on Wednesday said it was ready to “engage in direct and constructive dialogue on governance issues.”
Earlier this month, the world’s leading tennis players expressed their disappointment at the grand slam’s prize money and lack of progress in addressing other complaints.
It comes after 20 players – including Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek – wrote a letter last May to the four grand slam tournaments calling for a greater share of revenue and increased input.
French Open organizers announced in April an increase of 9.5% year-on-year in overall prize money to €61.7 million ($.71.7 million). Singles champions will each collect €2.8 million.
However, the players claim that increased tournament revenue means their share will have declined from 2024 to less than 15%. There was a 20% rise at last year’s US Open and nearly 16% at the Australian Open in January.
The French Tennis Federation statement added: “We regret the players’ decision, which impacts all of the tournament’s stakeholders: the media, broadcasters, the FFT and the entire tennis community, all of whom follow each edition of Roland Garros with great enthusiasm.
“The French Tennis Federation recognizes the importance of the players’ contribution to the tournament’s success, and wishes to maintain close ties with them.”
Continue reading...
It is understood players plan to keep their media appearances to a minimum at Roland Garros, including at Friday’s pre-tournament media day where they are set to walk out after 15 minutes.
The French Tennis Federation said it regretted the players’ decision but a statement on Wednesday said it was ready to “engage in direct and constructive dialogue on governance issues.”
Earlier this month, the world’s leading tennis players expressed their disappointment at the grand slam’s prize money and lack of progress in addressing other complaints.
It comes after 20 players – including Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek – wrote a letter last May to the four grand slam tournaments calling for a greater share of revenue and increased input.
French Open organizers announced in April an increase of 9.5% year-on-year in overall prize money to €61.7 million ($.71.7 million). Singles champions will each collect €2.8 million.
However, the players claim that increased tournament revenue means their share will have declined from 2024 to less than 15%. There was a 20% rise at last year’s US Open and nearly 16% at the Australian Open in January.
The French Tennis Federation statement added: “We regret the players’ decision, which impacts all of the tournament’s stakeholders: the media, broadcasters, the FFT and the entire tennis community, all of whom follow each edition of Roland Garros with great enthusiasm.
“The French Tennis Federation recognizes the importance of the players’ contribution to the tournament’s success, and wishes to maintain close ties with them.”
Continue reading...
