Sinner Addresses Player Respect and Prize Money Issues

Jannik Sinner expressed his frustration towards the treatment of players regarding prize money and respect in the sport of tennis. Speaking in Rome on May 7, 2026, Sinner described it as "tough to say" whether he would consider boycotting a Grand Slam due to these issues, yet firmly stated that players are not being given the respect they deserve.

In a show of solidarity, fellow world number one Aryna Sabalenka indicated her belief that players might "at some point" choose to boycott one of the major tournaments. The top 10 players on both the men's and women's tours are demanding a larger share of the revenue generated by the four Grand Slam tournaments, alongside requests for increased contributions to player benefits and greater influence in scheduling matters.

"It's more about respect," Sinner stated before his attempt to claim a sixth consecutive Masters 1,000 title. "I think we give much more than what we are getting back. It’s not only for the top players - it’s for all of us players, from men’s and women’s side. The top 10 men and top 10 women, we wrote a letter and it’s not nice that after one year we are not even close to a conclusion for what we would like to have."

He noted that, in other sports, important letters from top athletes usually prompt responses within 48 hours, but the tennis world has seen no such urgency. Sinner lamented the 9.5% prize money allocation for the upcoming French Open, arguing it falls significantly short of the 22% they deem appropriate.

Sinner's sentiments were echoed by 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, who emphasized his support for the players' causes. "Players know that they’ll always have my support... It needs to be because players’ position is not where it needs to be with slams, with tours," Djokovic stated.

During discussions on the state of player representation, meetings have yet to yield progress regarding players' benefit contributions. A proposed meeting at Indian Wells in March to establish a Grand Slam player council was rejected. Current limitations on discussions among Grand Slam executives stem from a lawsuit by the Professional Tennis Players’ Association, which alleges monopolistic control over the sport.

Sinner expressed optimism over the possibility of increased prize money at Wimbledon, a hope shared by many players who feel a potential boycott might be necessary to initiate change. "It’s the first time that I feel like the players are all in the same scenario and in the same point of view," he remarked. Djokovic also praised Sabalenka for her remarks, highlighting the importance of player unity.

The possibility of a Grand Slam boycott looms, though the players remain divided in strategy and commitment. Historical precedents exist, such as the 1973 Wimbledon boycott, but unifying all players around such an action in the current context seems complex.