This year, Roland Garros is increasing its total prize money pool by 9.5% compared to last season, marking the highest growth rate in three years for the Paris Grand Slam. In fact, over the past five years, tournament revenues have surged by 89%. However, according to ‘Tennis Majors’, this still falls short of what players believe is fair.
Tennis professionals have long argued that Grand Slams retain an excessively large share of their revenue. For instance, the ATP allocates 22% of its earnings to players participating in its events. That percentage drops significantly at the four majors—the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open—where it ranges between 13% and 15%.
The announcement of Roland Garros’ prize money distribution was made without prior consultation with the players regarding their preferences. This move has sparked frustration across the tour, with insiders calling the modest increase “an insult.” A source revealed, “They simply issued a press release. The players were quite upset about that.”
Players have several demands. First, they want the Slams to allocate a similar percentage of revenue as ATP and WTA tournaments (22%). Additionally, they expect contributions toward player welfare, such as pensions, injury insurance, and maternity leave—benefits that other circuits provide but the four majors do not.
Some players are expected to speak out during the Media Day in Rome on Wednesday. Another meeting is anticipated in late May, just before Roland Garros begins, though it remains unclear whether officials from the French Grand Slam will attend. All eyes will also be on Wimbledon’s prize money announcement, expected in the coming weeks.
The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), an independent organization founded by Novak Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil to advocate for players’ rights, includes top stars from both tours. Among its male signatories are Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Alexander Zverev, while female representatives include Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff.
