Jannik Sinner threatens US Open mixed doubles boycott in prize money row
World number one Jannik Sinner is part of a player group threatening to boycott the US Open mixed doubles event in an ongoing dispute over prize money and welfare conditions.
The Italian was scheduled to partner Katerina Siniakova in the newly overhauled tournament last year before withdrawing due to illness.
Now, the two-time Grand Slam champion is reportedly considering snubbing the competition entirely.
It follows reports indicating that competitors are collectively demanding a significantly larger financial reward to participate.
Prize money protests gather momentum
The threat marks the latest escalation by a cohort of athletes pushing for substantial financial reforms at major tournaments.
Players have unified behind a demand to receive 22 per cent of the total revenue generated by Grand Slam events.
This widespread dissatisfaction was previously highlighted during the French Open, where several competitors restricted their pre-tournament media commitments to just 15 minutes.
Eventual mixed doubles winners Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori secured a shared $1 million payout at Flushing Meadows last year.
Wimbledon prize pool increases
The boycott reports emerge shortly after Wimbledon confirmed a £10.7 million increase in its overall prize fund.
Singles champions at SW19 will now receive £3.6 million, while first-round participants are guaranteed at least £80,000.
Despite this 25 per cent overall uplift, the All England Club has firmly rejected the notion of tying player compensation directly to tournament revenue.
“We’ve always been clear that we’re on the side of the players, in the sense that we want to have a fantastic Wimbledon for them.”
Said All England Club chair Deborah Jevans.
“But using revenue to determine prize money, it just makes no sense, and we have said that to Larry Scott.”
Jevans emphasised that the famous grass-court tournament operates as a not-for-profit organisation.
“Revenue does not take into account the investments that we make. Everything goes back into the sport.”
