Leading tennis stars criticise French Open over prize money distribution
A group of the world’s leading tennis players have expressed deep disappointment with the French Open prize money distribution, arguing they receive a declining share of tournament revenues.
Organisers of the Paris major recently announced a 9.5% increase in the total prize pot to €61.7m (£53.7m) for this year’s event.
However, elite competitors from both the ATP and WTA tours are frustrated that their overall revenue share is projected to drop to just 14.3%.
Push for revenue parity
High-profile stars including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff have long advocated for a larger percentage of the income generated by the four grand slams.
The group are pushing for a figure closer to the 22% slice awarded at mixed events that offer equal prize money, such as Indian Wells and the Italian Open.
In response to the criticism, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) maintained that this year’s financial boost was specifically targeted at those exiting the clay-court tournament in the early rounds and qualifying stages.
Official figures show an 11% pay increase for players eliminated in the first three rounds, compared to a 9.8% bump for the eventual singles champions.
Players demand structural reform
Beyond immediate financial concerns, the leading names remain deeply dissatisfied with a perceived lack of consultation regarding the broader governance of the sport.
As Roland Garros looks to post record revenues, players are therefore receiving a declining share of the value they help create.
A collective statement argued that the grand slams remain resistant to change, failing to adequately invest in player welfare while other major international sports modernise.
The absence of player consultation and the continued lack of investment in player welfare reflect a system that does not adequately represent the interests of those who are central to the sport’s success.
The cohort initially outlined these proposals in a joint letter to all four major tournaments last March, seeking meaningful progress in fair financial distribution and administrative transparency.