Players to cut short French Open interviews in pay row

Some of the biggest names in tennis are preparing to take a stand ahead of the French Open by limiting their media interactions to just 15 minutes. This symbolic move is intended to highlight growing dissatisfaction among players regarding the distribution of prize money at Grand Slam tournaments.

Reports suggest that players may walk out of press conferences or broadcast interviews once the 15-minute mark is reached during pre-tournament media duties at Roland Garros. This action is not random—it directly reflects the approximate 15% share of revenue that Grand Slam events currently allocate to player prize money. By doing so, players hope to draw attention to what they believe is an unfair financial structure within the sport.

The plan has reportedly been shared with many of the world’s top 200 singles players. However, participation in this protest remains voluntary, and individual players can decide whether or not to follow through with the proposed limits. While not officially mandated, the movement appears to have gained significant traction among elite players.

At the heart of the issue is a demand from both men’s and women’s top-10 players for a larger share of the revenue generated by the four Grand Slam tournaments. In addition to increased prize money, players are also seeking better financial support systems, including contributions toward pensions, healthcare, and maternity benefits. Furthermore, they want a stronger voice in decision-making processes, particularly in areas like tournament scheduling and governance.

Although prize money for this year’s French Open has increased by 9.5%, many players feel that the rise does not go far enough. Comparisons with other Grand Slam events have only added to the frustration. For instance, last year’s US Open saw a 20% increase in prize money, while the Australian Open earlier this year featured a nearly 16% rise. Against this backdrop, the French Open’s increment appears relatively modest.

Players are also expected to target major broadcast partners as part of their protest. Networks such as TNT Sports, which play a crucial role in the commercial success of the tournament, could face disruptions if players cut interviews short. By doing so, players aim to exert pressure not only on tournament organizers but also on the broader network of stakeholders who benefit financially from the event.

It remains unclear whether this “work-to-rule” approach will continue once the main draw of the French Open begins. The tournament is scheduled to start in Paris on Sunday, and any ongoing protest during the competition itself could have a more significant impact on fans, media coverage, and overall tournament operations.

In response to the situation, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) has expressed regret over the players’ planned actions. In an official statement, the organization emphasized its willingness to engage in constructive discussions with players regarding governance and financial concerns. The FFT acknowledged the importance of players to the success of the tournament and reiterated its commitment to maintaining a positive relationship with them.

The roots of this dispute can be traced back to late 2025, when players began organizing efforts to push for better financial conditions. The campaign is being led by Larry Scott, a former chairman and chief executive of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). His leadership has brought structure and visibility to the movement, helping to unify players around common goals.

Scott is expected to attend meetings in Paris with key figures, including French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo and FFT president Gilles Moretton. These discussions could play a crucial role in determining the future direction of the dispute. Additional meetings with representatives from other Grand Slam organizers, such as the All England Club and the United States Tennis Association, are also planned.

One of the primary objectives of the players’ campaign is to influence upcoming decisions, particularly regarding Wimbledon’s prize money. The All England Club has yet to announce this year’s prize fund, and players hope their actions will encourage a more generous distribution.

Financial data from recent years has further fueled players’ concerns. For example, Wimbledon’s prize fund increased by 7% last year to £53.5 million, which is double the amount offered a decade ago. However, the tournament’s overall revenue has grown even more significantly. Financial reports show that the All England Club generated £427 million in revenue and £39.7 million in profit after tax in the year ending July 2025.

Given these figures, players argue that they deserve a larger share of the financial success they help create. They have proposed that Grand Slam tournaments should allocate 22% of their revenue to prize money by 2030. This would represent a substantial increase from current levels and align more closely with what players consider fair compensation.

In addition to prize money, players are advocating for improved welfare measures. These include financial support for pensions, healthcare, and maternity leave—areas where tennis has traditionally lagged behind other professional sports. The demand for better benefits reflects a broader push for long-term security and well-being among players.

Several top players have publicly expressed their views on the issue. World number one Aryna Sabalenka has suggested that a full boycott of a Grand Slam event could happen at some point if progress is not made. While such a move would be unprecedented, it highlights the seriousness of the players’ concerns.

Others have taken a more cautious approach. World number three Iga Swiatek described the idea of a boycott as “a bit extreme,” indicating that not all players are fully aligned on the strategy. Meanwhile, defending French Open champion Coco Gauff has stated that she would support strike action if there were widespread agreement among players.

Men’s world number one Jannik Sinner has also weighed in, emphasizing that players deserve greater respect in discussions about prize money. His comments reflect a growing sentiment among top athletes that their contributions to the sport are undervalued.

The FFT’s response underscores the complexity of the situation. While acknowledging the players’ importance, the organization also pointed out that the planned protest could negatively impact various stakeholders, including media outlets, broadcasters, and fans. The federation stressed its desire to maintain strong relationships within the tennis community while addressing the concerns raised.

As the French Open approaches, all eyes will be on how the situation unfolds. The tournament, scheduled to run from 24 May to 7 June, is one of the most prestigious events in tennis. Any disruption could have significant implications for the sport as a whole.

Ultimately, the players’ actions represent a broader struggle for fairness and recognition within professional tennis. By taking a stand, they hope to initiate meaningful change and ensure that the financial rewards of the sport are distributed more equitably.

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