French Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka cuts short news conference as top players protest over Grand Slam prize money - BBC Sport

Leading players, including Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff and Jannik Sinner, limit their French Open media duties to 15 minutes in a row over prize money.

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Aryna Sabalenka has been a vocal figure in the dispute between the players and the four Grand Slam tournaments

BBC Sport tennis news reporter at Roland GarrosPublished22 May 2026World number one Aryna Sabalenka cut short her French Open news conference as part of a 15-minute limit on media duties in protest at the prize money on offer.

Players believe a greater share of the revenue generated by the Grand Slam tournaments should be allocated in prize money.

The 15-minute limit is meant to symbolise the 15% of revenue the French Open currently offers.

Several other leading players - including men's world number one Jannik Sinner and four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek - also followed the 'work-to-rule' directive in Friday's pre-tournament media day.