Coco Gauff joins Aryna Sabalenka in support of potential 'boycott' of Grand Slams following 'disappointment' with French Open prize pool

May 5, 2026 - 19:46

Top tennis stars Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka have voiced support for a possible boycott of Grand Slam tournaments, expressing deep frustration over what they see as an unfair share of revenue. The issue came to a head after the French Open announced its prize pool for the upcoming event, which players say amounts to only about 15% of the tournament's total earnings.

Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, called the situation a "disappointment" and hinted that players may need to take drastic action if the major tournaments do not increase their payout percentages. "We are the product," Gauff said in a recent interview. "Without us, there is no show. It's not just about the money; it's about respect for what we put our bodies through."

Sabalenka, the world number two, echoed those sentiments, suggesting that a coordinated withdrawal from Grand Slams could be the only way to force change. "We have talked among ourselves," she stated. "If they keep treating us like this, maybe we have to show them what a tournament looks like without the top players."

The debate has reignited long-standing tensions between the players' unions and the Grand Slam boards. While the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open generate billions in broadcast and sponsorship deals, the athletes argue that the current revenue split is outdated. Many players, especially those ranked outside the top 50, struggle to cover coaching and travel costs despite competing at the highest level.

Neither the ATP nor the WTA has officially commented on the boycott threat, but insiders say the issue will be a major topic at the next player council meeting. For now, Gauff and Sabalenka have made it clear that they are willing to stand their ground, even if it means skipping the sport's biggest stages.