French Open 2026: Players to cut short pre-tournament media after 15 mins as pay row goes on
The player campaign, which begins in late 2025, is led by former WTA president and CEO Larry Scott.
The American will be in Paris on Friday for a meeting with French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo and FFT president Gilles Moretton.
A meeting is also planned with representatives of the All England Club (AELTC) and the US Tennis Association within two weeks.
The players’ move is designed to put pressure on the AELTC and the Wimbledon prize money will not be announced for another three weeks.
Last year, the Wimbledon prize fund rose 7% to £53.5 million; this was twice the amount offered ten years ago.
But players look enviously at the proceeds from Grand Slams and feel they are entitled to a bigger slice of the pie.
AELTC’s financial statement for the year to July 2025 showed revenues of £427 million and profits after tax of £39.7 million.
Players have asked the Slams to pay 22% of their revenue in prize money by 2030.
They are also demanding tens of millions of dollars in retirement, health and maternity benefits and greater consultation on planning and other important decisions.
At this month’s Italian Open, world number one Aryna Sabalenka said she believed players would boycott one of the major tournaments “at some point”.
World number three Iga Swiatek thought it would be “a bit extreme” but defended French Open champion Coco Gauff, saying she would support strike action “if everyone pulls together and cooperates”.
Men’s world number one Jannik Sinner also claimed that the players do not receive the respect they deserve when it comes to prize money in the majors.
FFT’s statement on Wednesday said: “We regret the players’ decision and it affects all stakeholders of the tournament: the media, broadcasters, FFT and the entire tennis community, who follow every edition of Roland Garros with great enthusiasm.”
“The French Tennis Federation is aware of the importance of the players’ contribution to the success of the tournament and wants to maintain close ties with them.”
The French Open will take place from May 24 to June 7.
