French Open: Players criticize Slams for ignoring concerns as tensions rise | Tennis news

A growing row between the players and the Grand Slams over money sharing is escalating at the French Open, with Novak Djokovic warning that the sport is at risk of being split again as top players seek to clarify their futures.

Several players are expected to limit their appearances on Friday game days to 15 minutes, and to refrain from doing other TV interviews.

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Controversy has been raging for weeks, but a clear voice in Paris, where players, such as Taylor Fritz, insisted that their complaints were not “wanting more money”.

“It’s all about what’s fair,” added the American.

“As the tournament generates more revenue, obviously we want to see the player’s share reflect that.”

Players have spoken about pensions, competition expansion, preparation and late nights among the problems causing frustration, including what many have described as incessant negotiations with the organizers.

Russian player Andrey Rublev painted a picture of the growing connection between the players and the sports administration.

“If you try to communicate for years … they don’t listen to you. They don’t answer,” Rublev said. “If you send a letter, no one answers the official letter for months.”

Rublev said the issue was not just financial, but sustainable.

“It’s more about us being together, and trying to do something to grow the game,” he said.

World champion Aryna Sabalenka cast the controversy as a fight in favor of the sport’s minor highlights instead of its leading stars.

“It’s not about me, it’s about the players who are down, who are struggling,” he said. “But as the first in the world, I feel like I have to stand up and fight for these players.”

Don’t say the ‘B’ word

However, players have taken a more cautious tone on the prospect of a strike after Sabalenka showed the potential earlier this month in Rome.

“I don’t know if I want to start saying the ‘B’ word,” Fritz said.

“It’s very difficult, and I don’t think that as players we have to threaten too much if we are ready to do it.”

Six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek also stopped short of conceding a strong performance.

“I don’t think it would make sense to be unproductive,” the four-time French Open winner said. “But we want to push harder to get what we want.”

Djokovic said he did not participate in the planned 15-minute match, but echoed many of the players’ concerns as he warned of further divisions in the match.

“I have always been on the side of the players and tried to promote the rights of the players and a better future for the players, not just the top players,” said the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

“We forget how many people live in this sport.”

Djokovic said the lower levels of tennis are necessary for the long-term health of the sport and called for greater cooperation between governing bodies, the sport and players.

“Grand Slams, championships, championship tours, everybody. We’re very divided,” he said.

“So the further division is really hurting me personally.

The Serbian also referred to golf and the divisions that resulted from the emergence of LIV Golf as a warning for tennis.

“Let’s learn something: Let’s try to be more united and have a common voice to find a better plan and a better future for our sport,” he said.

While the top ATP and WTA events redistribute around 22 percent of the money to players, the Grand Slams are estimated to return closer to 15 percent, a difference that has been a major source of controversy.

Organizers of the French Open have argued that the sport’s profits support the entire environment of tennis, not just money.

He is expected to meet with the players’ supporters on Friday as talks continue over revenue sharing and player representation.

Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said she regretted cutting down on television coverage at the start of the claycourt Grand Slam.

“It’s always sad because the media day is a very important moment for the competition, for the journalists from all over the world and for the fans through the media,” Mauresmo told reporters on Thursday.

“We understand that there are discussions and concerns about the players, but discussions are always good.”