World No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan has stated she is ready to join a boycott of Grand Slam tournaments if organizers refuse to increase prize money. Her comments were reported by Punto de Break.
The previous day, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus warned that players might organize a boycott in the future if Grand Slam organizers do not raise the prize money share.
“It is a complicated issue. There have been many situations in the past where players could have united and declared a boycott, but it never happened. If the majority decides to boycott, then of course I will join, no problem,” Rybakina said.
This week, a group of 20 leading ATP and WTA players, including Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic, and Jannik Sinner, issued a joint statement expressing disappointment with the prize money at the upcoming French Open.
In April, French Open organizers announced a 9.5% increase in the total prize fund to €61.7 million. Winners in men’s and women’s singles will earn €2.8 million each, while runners-up will receive €1.4 million. However, top players consider the increase insufficient.
