Players will speak for no more than 15 minutes during their pre-tournament interviews at the French Open amid an ongoing argument over how Grand Slam events are distributing their prize money.
It is understood that players will walk out of their media commitments once the 15 minutes has passed to symbolise the estimated percentage of revenue players are receiving from the French Open. Those taking part are doing so as a sign of unity, but they are under no obligation to do so. It has been understood that this protest has been communicated to an estimated 200 players.
The action comes amid an ongoing dispute between players and the Grand Slams over the amount of money they have been given. This year’s French Open will issue a record prize money pool of 61.723 million euros, a year-on-year increase of 9.54%. However, players argue that the percentage of the revenue being handed out (roughly 15%) is lower than they would like.
Those on the Tour are campaigning for 22% of the tournament’s revenue to be distributed to them. This was highlighted in a letter co-signed by a series of top-10 players sent to the French Open. Besides prize money, there are also calls for a greater contribution towards players’ pension schemes, more player representation in the decision-making process and better healthcare.
“The percentage is still, of revenue comparison, not where we would like it,” world No.4 Gauff told reporters in January.
“I think there’s still further conversations that have to be had, not just with the Australian Open but with all the slams. We have player representatives that have been working really hard to do that a lot for us because we can’t do it, be in person, as often.
“The collective feeling is that, yes, there’s been progress, but I still think it’s not where we would like to see it. We are grateful for the progress that has been made.”
Leading the group of players in their campaign and negotiations is Larry Scott, who is the WTA’s former chairman and chief executive. Scott will reportedly meet with French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo and FFT president Gilles Moretton later this week. Similar meetings are also expected with Wimbledon and the US Open in the next couple of weeks.
In a statement issued to The Athletic, a spokesperson for the French Tennis Federation (FFT) acknowledged the protest will take place and they ‘regret’ the decision. All Grand Slams have repeatedly defended their prize money policies. At the French Open specifically, they recently stated their revenue is also used to invest in developing the sport and improving facilities. Although there has been no specific mention about whether they will be prepared to increase the percentage of their revenue being given to players in the future.
“We regret the players’ decision, which impacts all of the tournament’s stakeholders: the media, broadcasters, the FFT and the entire tennis community, all of whom follow each edition of Roland-Garros with great enthusiasm,” the statement reads.
“The FFT recognises the importance of the players’ contribution to the tournament’s success, and wishes to maintain close ties with them. In early May, it proposed a meeting that will take place on Friday 22 May with some of their representatives.
“The FFT is ready to engage in direct and constructive dialogue on governance issues, with a view to giving players a greater say in decision-making, contributing to players’ welfare and evolutions in the value-sharing model.”
There has been talk about collective action being taken by players in recent weeks after Aryna Sabalenka said there could be a boycott ‘at some point’ if there is no resolution to the argument. Although there is no indication of this happening anytime soon.
It is unclear whether the player’s 15-minute media stance will also apply during the tournament. Currently, it will only happen on the two media days – Friday and Saturday. The French Open main draw then starts on Sunday.
