French Tennis Federation agrees talks on prize money

The French Tennis Federation said on May 23 it had agreed to continue talks with player representatives over Grand Slam prize money after a protest disrupted media day ahead of the French Open. The federation said the meeting with players had produced a “positive and transparent exchange” and that both sides would meet again in the coming weeks. The pledge came as Roland-Garros opens on Sunday, May 24, in Paris, with players pressing for a bigger share of tournament revenue. ### Which players forced the issue before Roland-Garros began? Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner and Coco Gauff were among the leading players tied to the push for higher Grand Slam pay, according to Associated Press reporting. A group of top players had already said this month they were “deep disappointment” over the level of prize money at Roland-Garros and said other demands on representation, health and pensions also remained unresolved. (rfi.fr) Friday’s protest took the form of shortened media appearances. AFP reported that about 20 players limited their pre-tournament media commitments to 15 minutes on Friday and Saturday, the two days set aside for press conferences and interviews before the main draw began. ### What exactly did the federation promise on May 23? (usnews.com) The French Tennis Federation said the May 23 meeting allowed “a positive and transparent exchange on a number of issues,” according to AFP. The federation said more time was needed and that all sides had agreed to continue the dialogue and meet again in the coming weeks. The Guardian separately reported that the FFT pledged “concrete proposals” within the next month. (rfi.fr) The FFT had already told The Associated Press before the meeting that it was ready for “direct and constructive discussions” on governance, social protection and “the distribution of value.” It also said it regretted the protest because it penalized “the media, broadcasters, federation staff and the entire tennis community.” (rfi.fr) ### How far apart are the two sides on the money? The players’ central demand is a 22% share of Grand Slam revenues by 2030, compared with roughly 15% now, AFP reported. Associated Press said the players claimed their share of Roland-Garros revenue had fallen from 15.5% in 2024 to a projected 14.9% in 2026. NBC Sports, citing AP, reported the group also said the share was 14.3% based on 2025 revenue and 2026 prize money assumptions. (usnews.com) Those figures reflect players’ estimates and public arguments, not an agreed accounting framework with the tournaments. Roland-Garros announced total 2026 prize money of €61.723 million, with the men’s and women’s singles champions each set to earn €2.8 million. First-round singles losers will receive €87,000, according to the ATP Tour’s published breakdown. ### Is this only about the French Open? The dispute reaches beyond Paris. AP said players are seeking better representation, health options and pensions from all four Grand Slam tournaments, not only Roland-Garros. (rfi.fr) AFP reported that player representatives, mainly agents, have planned separate meetings with Wimbledon and the U.S. Open toward the end of the French Open. (atptour.com) The broader pressure campaign has also overlapped with legal action in tennis. The Professional Tennis Players Association said this month that the French Tennis Federation and the All England Lawn Tennis Club had denied its credential requests for the 2026 French Open and Wimbledon because of the ongoing antitrust lawsuit, according to the group’s statement. (usnews.com) ### What happens next in Paris? Roland-Garros begins on Sunday, May 24, with the pay dispute unresolved but formal talks now underway. The FFT said it would continue discussions in the coming weeks, while AFP reported additional meetings with Wimbledon and U.S. Open representatives are due before the Paris tournament ends. (rfi.fr) (ptpaplayers.com)