Leading tennis stars have voiced their collective frustration over prize money at the French Open, with the world's top-ranked players expressing "deep disappointment" ahead of the clay-court Grand Slam beginning on 24 May.
World number ones Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka are among those who signed a statement criticising the tournament's financial arrangements, alongside defending women's champion Coco Gauff.
The group, comprising predominantly top-20 players from both the ATP and WTA Tours, released their statement on Sunday through Project RedEye, a 15-month campaign seeking improved conditions from Grand Slam organisers.
Tournament officials announced last month that total prize money would rise by 9.5 per cent to €61.7 million.
Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner are two of the top tennis stars who signed a statement criticising the tournament's financial arrangements
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Despite this increase, the players argue their share of tournament revenue has actually fallen.
According to their statement, the proportion allocated to competitors has declined from 15.5 per cent in 2024 to a projected 14.9 per cent this year.
The group points to a significant disparity between revenue growth and prize money increases.
French Open officials reported the tournament generated €395 million in 2025, representing a 14 per cent year-on-year rise, yet prize money grew by just 5.4 per cent.
With revenues expected to exceed €400 million in 2026, the players are demanding their share be raised to 22 per cent, bringing Grand Slams in line with ATP and WTA Combined 1000 events.
French Open revenues have exploded but players are not happy that their share has not improved at a similar rate
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The players' grievances extend beyond financial matters.
Their statement alleges tournament officials have failed to respond to proposals concerning player welfare, including pension schemes and long-term health provisions.
The group has also expressed frustration at what they describe as a lack of progress towards fair and transparent representation within Grand Slam decision-making processes.
These concerns echo demands first outlined in a letter sent to the heads of all four Grand Slam tournaments in March 2025, in which players sought greater influence over "decisions that directly impact us".
The same collective will be monitoring Wimbledon's prize money announcement, expected next month.
Notably absent from the latest statement are Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, neither of whom signed as part of the current group of signatories.
Alcaraz, the defending French Open champion, has already withdrawn from this year's tournament due to a wrist injury.
British number one Jack Draper has publicly voiced his support for the campaign, aligning himself with the collective push for improved conditions.
Emma Raducanu, meanwhile, is not involved in the initiative, having spent several years outside the top 20 rankings required for participation in the group's efforts.