Players plan 'work-to-rule' media protest

French Open players are planning a limited media protest before the tournament starts, according to reports published on May 20. The action would see players leave Friday press conferences after 15 minutes as part of a broader dispute over how Grand Slam revenue is shared. The protest is aimed at media obligations rather than matches, and it comes days before the main draw begins at Roland Garros on May 24. Tournament organizers had already announced a 9.5% increase in total prize money for 2026. ### Why are players targeting Friday press conferences? The Guardian reported on May 20 that players intended to stage a “work-to-rule” protest by walking out of Friday press conferences after 15 minutes. The report said the move was tied to continuing frustration over Grand Slam prize money and player compensation. The Athletic also reported on May 20 that leading players planned a media protest at the French Open as part of a push for higher prize money and broader reforms. The action was described as a way to keep pressure on the four Grand Slam tournaments without disrupting play itself. ### What are players saying about the money? The Associated Press reported that players say their share of revenue has fallen to 14.3%, compared with 22% at other events. That figure has become the clearest shorthand for the dispute, which has been building across the Grand Slams rather than only at Roland Garros. Yahoo Sports, citing the same dispute, said players believe they are not receiving a fair share of Grand Slam prize money and benefits. (theguardian.com) Reports in recent weeks have also described a letter from top players expressing disappointment with the French Open’s 2026 payout structure. ### How much is Roland Garros paying this year? Roland Garros has set total 2026 prize money at €61.723 million, according to the tournament’s published breakdown and ATP Tour coverage on May 19. The men’s and women’s singles champions will each receive €2.8 million. Roland Garros officials said in April that the 2026 event would include new player services and facilities. Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo said organizers wanted to provide players with the “best possible conditions” and were listening to player requests, according to the official tournament site. (apnews.com) ### Is this only a French Open issue? The four Grand Slams are the broader target of the campaign, according to The Athletic’s report. The French Open protest is one step in a longer-running argument over how much of the events’ income should go to players and what benefits should accompany it. AP’s report framed the dispute in Grand Slam terms as well, saying players were challenging their share of prize money rather than objecting only to one tournament’s absolute payout. (atptour.com) That distinction matters because Roland Garros did raise its purse this year, but players are focusing on the percentage split, not only the headline total. ### What happens next in Paris? Friday’s press conferences are the first concrete point where the protest can be measured. If players leave after 15 minutes, media schedules and interview logistics at Roland Garros will need to adjust immediately. The French Open main draw starts on May 24 in Paris. The draw ceremony is scheduled for May 21, and the first player media sessions before the tournament are expected to show whether the reported plan becomes an organized action. (nytimes.com) (theguardian.com)