World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka said on her 28th birthday that players may organize a boycott of the Grand Slams if they do not receive a larger share of tournament revenues. Speaking at the Italian Open on Tuesday, Sabalenka argued that top players deserve a higher percentage of the money generated by the sport's marquee events.
What did Sabalenka say about a potential boycott?
Sabalenka stated that "at some point we will boycott" if the revenue dispute is not resolved in players' favour, according to reporting from Tennis Majors. She emphasized that without the world's top competitors, "there wouldn't be a tournament and there wouldn't be that entertainment," and argued that players "definitely deserve to be paid more percentage."
Who else supports this position?
Several other top-ranked players have indicated willingness to participate in a boycott, according to CBC Sports. Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and Jasmine Paolini are among those prepared to protest the current revenue-sharing arrangements at the Grand Slams.
The standoff reflects a broader tension between the sport's elite players and the four major championships over how tournament revenues are distributed. The threat of a coordinated boycott represents a significant escalation in negotiations that have simmered for months.
Sources
- Tennis Majors: "At some point we will boycott": Sabalenka raises the stakes in players' Grand Slam revenue fight. Published 2026-05-06.
- CBC Sports: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka calls for boycott if players don't get bigger cut of Grand Slam revenues. Published 2026-05-05.
Reported from public sources.