World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has suggested top players may boycott grand slam tournaments unless the four major championships increase the share of revenue paid to competitors. Speaking at the Italian Open, Sabalenka said a boycott would be necessary to "fight for our rights," according to The Guardian.
What did Sabalenka say?
Sabalenka stated that players believe a boycott will become unavoidable if the grand slams do not address their demands. "I think at some point we will boycott it, yeah," she said, as reported by Tennis Majors. "I feel like that's going to be the only way to fight for our rights."
The world No. 1 argued that players deserve a larger percentage of tournament revenues. "Without us, there wouldn't be a tournament and there wouldn't be that entertainment. I feel like definitely we deserve to be paid more percentage," Sabalenka said, per Tennis Majors.
Who else supports the position?
Several top-ranked players have indicated willingness to participate in such action. Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and Jasmine Paolini are prepared to protest over the prize money dispute, according to CBC Sports.
The dispute reflects broader tension between the professional tennis tour and the four grand slam tournaments over how revenues are distributed. Players have sought increased prize money and a greater percentage of tournament income, while the majors have maintained their existing compensation structures.
The Italian Open where Sabalenka made her comments is scheduled to continue through its conclusion this week.
Sources
- The Guardian: Sabalenka believes players will boycott grand slams to 'fight for our rights'. Published 2026-05-05.
- 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.