The French Open has become the first grand slam tournament to offer players a share of the event's revenue, marking a significant step forward in the ongoing dispute over prize money. Officials from Roland Garros made the offer to the players' representative, Larry Scott, during talks at Wimbledon a fortnight ago. This move intensifies pressure on the US Open, which is set to announce its prize fund for this year's tournament at the start of next month.
Profit-sharing model sets Roland Garros apart
While an agreement has yet to be finalized, the French Open's willingness to commit to a profit-share model to determine prize money is a major development. This approach distinguishes Roland Garros from the other three grand slam tournaments. In contrast, Debbie Jevans, chair of the All England Club, angered players last month by stating that it made "no sense" to use tournament revenues to determine prize money. That comment led players to threaten a media boycott for the first week of Wimbledon, though the protest was later cancelled.
Additional benefits for players
The French Open's commitment to revenue sharing is accompanied by a willingness to contribute to player pensions and health care, as well as giving players a greater say in the running of the tournament. According to sources, the players are seeking guarantees that all grand slam tournaments will pay 16% of their revenue in prize money with immediate effect, rising to 22% by 2030. While the grand slams have offered significant prize money increases in recent years, players want an agreed formula based on revenue sharing rather than waiting each year for the annual award.
Pressure mounts on US Open
The US Open is under particular pressure as it has had longer to reach an agreement with the players. The tournament next month coincides with the arrival of Craig Tiley as the new chief executive of the US Tennis Association. A number of players, including world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, have threatened not to play in the US Open's mixed doubles event preceding the singles at Flushing Meadows if significant progress is not made. Last year, the US Open increased its prize money by 21% to $85 million, compared with $70 million the year before. A similar rise this year would mean players receive a total prize pot of more than $100 million for the first time.
