French Open: Players protest to end pay as tournament begins

Players are asking for a higher share of Grand Slam revenue to be dedicated to prize money – as well as a broader say in issues such as contributions to their benefit pool and scheduling.

Player representatives plan to hold meetings with executives from both the All England Club (AELTC) and the US Tennis Association during the second week of the French Open.

The next major moment of contention will be when the AELTC announces the prize money for this year’s Wimbledon on June 11.

Players are asking each Grand Slam to dedicate 16% of their earnings to this year’s prize. After taking last year’s £427m revenue, and adjusting for inflation, that demand would equate to £70m at Wimbledon – or a 34% increase on the £53.5m prize money offered in 2025.

The players are asking each Slam to contribute $4m (£2.98m) to their benefit pool this year and the next step is likely to take place when Wimbledon starts on June 28.