Star Protest at Roland Garros Set: Date and Form Revealed!

The world's top tennis players, dissatisfied with prize money at Grand Slam tournaments, are planning to voice their discontent this Friday during Roland-Garros's Media Day. This symbolic action follows boycott threats and promises a tense atmosphere ahead of the tournament's start.

The protest will involve limiting their media engagements to just fifteen minutes, after which they will leave the press center without granting further interviews. This move aims to highlight the disparity in revenue distribution: while major ATP and WTA tournaments redistribute approximately 22% of their earnings to players, the four Grand Slams (Melbourne Park, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, and Flushing Meadows) average only 15%.

Player dissatisfaction is not new; they raised concerns last year about overall treatment and, specifically, financial matters. The lack of response from Grand Slam organizers has now led to this more visible stance.

Media Day, typically a platform for journalists worldwide to gather initial impressions from athletes, will thus take on a different character, with the focus shifting from the sport itself to tennis politics.

In addition to the protest, a crucial meeting is scheduled for Friday afternoon between Roland-Garros management, the French Tennis Federation (FFT), and key player representatives. The outcome of this meeting is uncertain and could dictate future steps, with the possibility of more drastic actions, such as a boycott, not being ruled out.

Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo and her team are facing days of intense pressure. The situation is exacerbated by reports that Wimbledon emissaries have already contacted some players regarding the 2026 prize money, approaches that were reportedly not well received.

In response, Roland Garros management issued a statement regretting the players' decision, emphasizing its negative impact.

«We regret this decision by the players, which penalizes all tournament stakeholders: the media, broadcasters, federation teams, and the entire tennis family who enthusiastically follow each edition of Roland-Garros.»

The organization, however, reiterated its openness to dialogue, mentioning the meeting scheduled for this Friday, May 22. The FFT states it is «ready for direct and constructive dialogue on governance challenges, in order to give players more say in decision-making, contribute to their social protection, and evolve value sharing.»