Jannik Sinner hints at boycotting grand slams if players do not start receiving 'respect'

The top 10 players are calling for a larger share of the revenue generated by the four grand slam tournaments, as well as improved benefit contributions and a greater influence in areas such as scheduling.

Speaking ahead of the Italian Open, Sinner said: "It's more about respect.

"I think we give much more than what we are getting back. It's not only for the top players - it's for all of us players, from the men's and women's sides.

"The top 10 men and top 10 women, we wrote a letter, and it's not nice that after one year, we are not even close to a conclusion for what we would like to have.

"Talking in other sports, if the top athletes, they send important letters, I truly believe that within 48 hours you have not only a response but you also have a meeting.

"Of course, we talk about money. The most important is respect, and we just don't feel it."

When asked if he would boycott a grand slam, the world number one said: "Of course, it's tough to say. I cannot predict the future in any way.

"It's the first time that I feel like the players are all in the same scenario and in the same point of view.

"I think it's also right because without the players, they are not going to happen, any tournaments.

"In the same time we also know and we respect the tournaments because they make us bigger as athletes. Let's see in the future."

Sinner shared his disappointment at the 9.5 per cent prize money increase offered by the French Open, with tennis stars believing the total sum is way below the 22 per cent of tournament revenue they are entitled to.

He said: "I think in the next couple of weeks we know also the prize money we're going to have in Wimbledon.

"We truly hope that it's going to be better. Then, of course, US Open.

"So I do understand players talking about boycott because it's somewhere we also need to start. It has been a very long time with this."

Novak Djokovic weighed in on the ongoing row, saying: "I do like the fact that there is more conversations happening on this.

"It needs to be because players' position is not where it needs to be with slams, with tours."

The Serb praised the courage shown by Sabalenka to speak out on the matter, stating: "That's true leadership for me, and I think she needs to maintain that. I salute that.

"We're all part of the same sport. We all try to elevate the game, whether it's players, tournaments, governing bodies. Unfortunately, often there is a conflict of interest that some people don't want to address.

"I think that's where the players really have the power. I'm always supportive of the stronger player position in the ecosystem."

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