Players plan French Open media protest

Players at the French Open are preparing to limit media appearances on Friday at Roland Garros in a coordinated protest over prize money and revenue sharing. L’Equipe first reported that many competitors plan to end their pre-tournament press conferences after 15 minutes, and the French Tennis Federation confirmed to the Associated Press that it regretted the move. The action comes days before the clay-court Grand Slam begins in Paris on Sunday. It also follows a broader push by leading players for a larger share of Grand Slam revenues and more influence over governance and benefits. ### Why are players cutting press conferences short at Roland Garros? Friday’s pre-tournament media day has become the immediate focus of the dispute. Players are expected to keep press obligations to a minimum and walk out after 15 minutes, according to reports carried by the Associated Press and Yahoo Sports, citing L’Equipe and people familiar with the plan. (wtop.com) The protest is tied to complaints that player compensation at the French Open has not kept pace with tournament revenue. The Associated Press reported that a group of players accused Roland Garros of reducing competitors’ share of revenue to an alleged 14.3%, compared with 22% at other ATP and WTA events. ### Which players are involved in the broader prize-money push? (wtop.com) Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner and Coco Gauff were identified by the Associated Press as among the leading players who have publicly criticized the French Open payout structure. Yahoo Sports, citing the wider player campaign, said 20 players including Sinner, Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Gauff and Iga Swiatek wrote to the four Grand Slam tournaments last year seeking a greater share of revenue and more input. (wtop.com) The players’ demands go beyond this week’s purse. The Associated Press said the group is also seeking better representation, health options and pensions from the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open. ### How much money is Roland Garros offering in 2026? Roland Garros organizers announced in April that the 2026 total prize pool would rise 9.5% year over year to €61.7 million, or about $72 million, according to the Associated Press and Yahoo Sports. (wtop.com) Singles champions will receive €2.8 million each, Yahoo Sports reported. Players say the headline increase does not answer their main complaint. (wtop.com) The Associated Press reported that they estimate their share of Roland Garros revenue declined from 15.5% in 2024 to a projected 14.9% in 2026, and could remain below 15% even if tournament revenue exceeds 400 million euros this year. ### What has the French Tennis Federation said? (wtop.com) The French Tennis Federation said it regretted the protest and told the Associated Press that the move would penalize “the media, broadcasters, federation staff and the entire tennis community” following the tournament. The federation also said it wanted to keep an open dialogue with players. The FFT said a meeting with players and their representatives was expected on Friday. (wtop.com) In its statement, the federation said it was ready for “direct and constructive discussions” on governance, social protection and the distribution of value. ### What happens next in Paris? Friday, May 22, is set to bring the first visible test of the protest at Roland Garros, with selected players due to appear for pre-tournament press conferences in Paris. (wtop.com) The French Open main draw begins on Sunday, and the FFT has said it expects to meet player representatives before play starts.