Jannik Cena adds voice to French Open prize money protest

ROME – Top tennis players are already upset that they are not getting a bigger share of tournament revenue at the French Open. Now they hope Wimbledon and the US Open will respond to their demands A mortal sinner.

Fellow No. 1 Arina Sabalenka Said the players should consider a boycott this week.

“It’s more about respect. Because I think we give a lot more than we get back,” Ciner said at the Italian Open on Thursday. “It’s not just for the top players; it’s for all of our players.”

Sinners will not commit to a boycott.

“It’s hard to say,” he said. “I can’t predict the future in any way. But at the same time I believe we have to start somewhere.”

Players have targeted the upcoming French Open for reportedly reducing players’ share of revenue to 15% — compared to 22% at ATP and WTA events like the Italian Open this week.

Players from the same team sent letters to the heads of the four Grand Slams a year ago asking for more prize money and a bigger say in decision-making. Wimbledon increased its 2025 pot by 7%, the US Open by 20% and the Australian Open by 16% in January.

“It’s not good that a year later we’re not even close to the conclusion of what we want to get,” Sinar said. “I really believe that within 48 hours you not only get a response but you also have a meeting.”

French Open organizers announced last month that they had increased overall prize money by nearly 10% for a total pot of 61.7 million euros ($72.1 million), a total increase of 5.3 million euros from last year. But the players’ statement said “the underlying figures tell a very different story,” claiming they would receive a smaller share of the tournament’s proceeds.

Players claim their share of Roland Garros revenue will drop from 15.5% in 2024 to a projected 14.9% in 2026.

Wimbledon has yet to announce its prize money for this year.

“I think in the next few weeks we’ll know the prize money at Wimbledon as well. We really hope it’s going to be better. Then, of course, the US Open,” Sinner said.

With profit sharing and year-end bonus pools, male players actually get about 30% of the revenue at ATP Tour events like the Italian Open.

“We have been silent for a long time and now it’s time to raise our voice,” Ciner added in Italian. “We’re not asking for 50% — we wouldn’t dare — but right now we’re getting very little.”

French Open organizers did not respond to requests for comment.