By Dauda Musbau
Amelie Mauresmo, the director of the French Open, said the tournament’s organisers are not going to budge and increase prize money for the 2026 event despite a dispute with players.
A group of tennis stars will limit their media duties in the build-up to the clay-court grand slam due to perceived low prize money.
Players have claimed they are currently only paid 15% of the current revenue from the majors, asking for 22% instead.
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“We are not going to budge,” Mauresmo told reporters at the tournament draw in Paris, adding she was a “little saddened” by the situation.
“We have prize money that has… doubled in 10 years and has also increased significantly recently.”
Jannik Sinner, the top-ranked men’s player, earlier this month called for the Slam events to show “respect” to players.
Women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka also said at the Italian Open that players might have to boycott the sport’s four biggest tournaments – the Australian, French and US Opens and Wimbledon – to “defend our rights”.
A meeting between the French Open organisers and “some of the players’ representatives” is to be held on Friday.
“We don’t usually take what comes from the players lightly,” Mauresmo added.
“I am confident about the discussions that will take place and those that have already taken place.”
