French Open players work-to-rule protest

French Open players are set to limit their pre-tournament press conferences to 15 minutes on Friday in a protest over prize money and player benefits at Roland Garros. The action follows weeks of tension between leading players and Grand Slam organizers over how tournament revenue is shared. The French tennis federation, which runs the event, said it regretted the move and said it had proposed talks with player representatives on May 22. The tournament’s main draw begins on Sunday in Paris. ### Why are players walking out of French Open press conferences after 15 minutes? Friday’s media day at Roland Garros has become the first pressure point in the dispute. Multiple reports, including the Associated Press and French daily L’Equipe, said players plan to end their press conferences after 15 minutes and then decline additional interviews with rights-holding broadcasters. The 15-minute limit is tied to the players’ central complaint. Players say they receive roughly 15% of Grand Slam revenue and want that share moved closer to 22%, which they say is more in line with ATP and WTA tour events. The protest is aimed at reducing obligations rather than skipping the tournament itself. ### Which players are involved in the dispute? Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner, Coco Gauff, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek were among 20 players who wrote to the four Grand Slam tournaments last year seeking a larger share of revenue and more input, according to reports on the current standoff. Earlier this month, Sabalenka said players might need to boycott the majors to “defend our rights.” Jannik Sinner also called on the Slams to show “respect” to players, according to Reuters-reported coverage carried by other outlets. The current protest is not limited to one locker room faction; reports describe it as a move backed by many top players, though not every participant has been publicly identified. ### What are players saying is wrong with the prize-money model? Roland Garros announced in April that total prize money for 2026 would rise 9.5% to 61.7 million euros, or about $72 million. Singles champions are due to receive 2.8 million euros each. The French federation has presented that increase as part of ongoing discussions with players. Players say the headline increase does not answer their complaint because tournament revenues have risen faster than prize money. According to the Associated Press, players say their share of Roland Garros revenue has slipped from 15.5% in 2024 to a projected 14.9% in 2026. They are also seeking better representation, pensions and health-related support from the four majors. ### How has the French tennis federation responded? The French tennis federation said on May 20 that it regretted the protest because it would affect “the media, broadcasters, federation staff and the entire tennis community” around the tournament. The federation said it recognized the players’ contribution to the event’s success and wanted to keep close ties with them. The FFT also said it was ready for direct discussions on governance, player social protection and the distribution of value. In its statement to the Associated Press, the federation said it had put forward proposals in those areas and expected a meeting with player representatives on Friday. ### Is this only a French Open issue? The four Grand Slam tournaments are part of the broader dispute. Players’ complaints cover the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, and extend beyond prize money to decision-making power and benefits. This week’s action is focused on Roland Garros because the tournament opens on May 24, with pre-tournament media obligations beginning Friday. The next concrete step is the planned May 22 meeting in Paris between French Open organizers and some player representatives, followed by the start of main-draw play on Sunday.