French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo has confirmed that prize money will not change this year, despite complaints from players who argue they deserve a larger share of revenue. Top players have criticized organizers for allegedly reducing the players' revenue share to 14.3 percent, compared with 22 percent at standard ATP and WTA events.
To express their discontent, many competitors at Roland Garros, where play begins on Sunday, are planning to limit their interaction with reporters to 15 minutes during Friday's traditional pre-tournament media day.
Mauresmo, a former Australian Open and Wimbledon champion, said she remained open to dialogue and was confident of a solution. A meeting is expected on Friday between tournament organizers, players, and their representatives. However, when asked whether there was a chance prize money would change this year, Mauresmo stated on Thursday: "No, we are not going to change anything. We are going to initiate discussions, and that is what everyone wants."
Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and fourth-ranked Coco Gauff were among leading players who this month supported a boycott of the Grand Slams if they do not start receiving more compensation.
Roland Garros organizers increased prize money by about 10 percent after the US Open last year raised its pot by 20 percent and this year's Australian Open by 16 percent. The total French Open pot was €61.7 million ($72 million), up €5.3 million ($6.1 million) from last year.
However, players claimed their share of Roland Garros revenue declined from 15.5 percent in 2024 to a projected 14.9 percent in 2026. They said the event generated €395 million ($457.7 million) in 2025, a 14 percent year-on-year increase, yet prize money rose by just 5.4 percent, reducing players' share of revenue to 14.3 percent.
The singles champions at Roland Garros will each receive €2.8 million ($3.2 million), an increase of €250,000 ($289,700) from 2025. "I'm not going to tell you that everything will be resolved with the snap of a finger," Mauresmo said. "But the discussions will continue, probably after the tournament."
Source: www.aljazeera.com