Jannik Sinner Addresses Prize Money Dispute and Potential Boycott
Jannik Sinner has not dismissed the possibility of a player boycott of the grand slam tournaments, citing a lack of respect from the majors in the ongoing prize money dispute. The men’s world No. 1 expressed frustration over the majors' insufficient response to players' concerns.
“I think we give much more than what we get back”
Sinner emphasized that the issue extends beyond just the top players and affects all athletes, highlighting the equality between men’s and women’s players. He noted that the top 10 men and women jointly sent a letter to the grand slam organizers, but after a year, no satisfactory resolution has been reached.
“It’s more about respect, you know? Because 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. Again, from men’s and women’s side, we are very, very equal. I think the top 10 men, top 10 women, we wrote a letter. It’s not nice that after one year we are not even close to the conclusion of what we would like to have.”
He compared the situation to other sports where top athletes receive prompt responses and meetings following important letters, underscoring the lack of respect felt by tennis players.
“Talking in other sports, if the top athletes, they send important letters, I truly believe that within 48 hours you have not only a response but you also have a meeting with this kind of thing, so … Of course, we talk about money. The most important is respect, and we just don’t feel it.”
Support from Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff
Sinner’s remarks follow statements by Aryna Sabalenka, the women’s world No. 1, who suggested on Tuesday that players might boycott grand slam events in the future due to the prize money dispute. Coco Gauff also expressed agreement with this stance. Last March, the top 10 men’s and women’s players sent a letter to the grand slam tournaments requesting meetings to discuss a larger share of tournament revenues for players, increased contributions to player welfare, and enhanced cooperation between the grand slams and players.
When asked about the possibility of skipping a major event, Sinner responded cautiously but acknowledged the need for action.
“I cannot predict the future in a way,” he said. “But in the same time I also believe that somewhere we need to start. I understand other players not playing. But yeah, let’s see. Definitely I can see all the press conferences, and I’m definitely not the only one. It’s the first time that I feel like the players are all in the same scenario and in the same point of view.”
Novak Djokovic’s Perspective and Support
Novak Djokovic, who has invested considerable effort in uniting players through his roles as president of the ATP Player Council and co-founder of the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA), stated that although he has not taken part in the latest initiative, he fully supports the players from the sidelines.
“I’ve said it many times,” he said. “I don’t need to talk about that too long. Players know that they’ll always have my support, and that’s all. The new generations are coming up. I’m glad that there is willingness from the leaders of our sport, like Sabalenka, to really step up and really understand the dynamics of how the tennis politics works and understand the nuances and really what needs to be done not only for her benefit and wellbeing, but for everyone. That’s a true leadership for me and I think she needs to maintain that. I salute that.”
