French Open agrees to talks with players in row over grand slam prize money

The French Tennis Federation committed to concrete proposals on increased prize money, player welfare, and representation after talks with leading agents at the French Open. Many players, including world No 1s Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, limited pre-tournament media briefings to 15 minutes as a protest over what they view as insufficient prize money from the four Grand Slams. Players conducted only mandatory duties, including a press conference and an interview with the host broadcaster, instead of the usual 60 to 90 minutes of media activities. Grand Slams allocate about 15% of tournament revenues to prize money, while players demand an increase to 22% to match ATP and WTA percentages. The FFT promised detailed proposals within a fortnight after the Roland Garros finals, with players insisting prize money increases must accompany welfare and representation discussions. Amelie Mauresmo defended the FFT’s prize money approach and financial contributions, citing a different model from other tours and Grand Slams.

"The French Tennis Federation (FFT) has promised to make concrete proposals about increased prize money, player welfare and representation within the next month in talks with leading agents at the French Open. The discussions took place on Friday, the same day many players, including the world No 1s, Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, collectively decided to limit their pre-tournament media briefings to 15 minutes in protest at what they regard as insufficient prize money paid by the four grand slams."

"The players chose to conduct only their mandatory duties, a press conference and an interview with the host broadcaster, rather than the 60 to 90 minutes they usually devote to interviews, photoshoots and other media activities. The slams allocate about 15% of their tournament revenues in prize money and the players are demanding that be increased to 22%, to match the percentage paid by the ATP and WTA Tours."

"Sources involved described as positive talks as vindicating their media boycott. One said one day of direct action had achieved more than a year of discussions behind the scenes. The FFT has promised to return with detailed proposals within a fortnight of the finals at Roland Garros, with the players adamant an increase in prize money must take place alongside discussions over welfare and player representation."

"Amelie Mauresmo, the Roland Garros tournament director and former world No 1, on Thursday defended the FFT's decisions regarding this year's prize money and their financial contributions to players. We have a model that is very different from what is on the Tours, be it the ATP Tours or the WTA, she said. Even a different model from the other grand slams. We put in pl"

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