TOP TENNIS stars have expressed “deep disappointment” over French Open prize money and a lack of progress on key issues.
Last month, it was announced that the two singles champions in Paris would win £2.4million – up from £2.2million in 2025 – with total prize money rising by 9.5 per cent compared to last year.
Yet this figure does not appear to satisfy the demands of many of the top-20 players on the ATP and WTA Tours.
The likes of Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff signed a letter in March 2025, which was sent to the heads of the four Grand Slams, seeking more cash.
They also asked for a greater say in what they called “decisions that directly impact us”.
According to those behind the 15-month Project RedEye, the racquet superstars have expressed collective frustration towards Roland Garros chiefs ahead of the clay-court Slam that starts on Sunday May 24.
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In a statement released on Sunday, they claim players’ share of tournament revenue has “declined from 15.5 per cent in 2024 to 14.9 per cent projected in 2026”.
As a group they are pushing for prize money as a percentage of revenue to be boosted to 22 per cent, which is in line with the Masters 1000 events.
They allege there has been no response to players’ proposals on welfare, including pension and long-term health.
And they also feel there is “no progress on fair and transparent player representation within Grand Slam decision-making”.
The same group will be watching with interest what Wimbledon announces next month for its 2026 cash breakdown.
SunSport has been told that Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are not part of the signatories this time.
Jack Draper has publicly expressed his support for the campaign while Emma Raducanu is not involved, having been out of the top 20 for several years.
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