Russian tennis star and world No. 9 Daniil Medvedev has voiced his support for a potential boycott of Grand Slam tournaments if players deem such action necessary. Speaking in an interview with BB Tennis, Medvedev stated, “I’m not the president of any federation—I’m just a player who backs any initiative that can help us. If the players, those who are involved, believe it’s the right move, then I will support it.”
Medvedev highlighted a key issue: tournament organizers generate massive revenues, yet players receive a disproportionately small share compared to other sports. “I’m for it. What happens next is not for me to decide. But I will stand with the players, not the tournaments,” he added.
The discussion comes after a group of 20 top ATP and WTA players, including Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic, and Jannik Sinner, issued a joint statement expressing disappointment over prize money levels at the upcoming French Open. Sabalenka, the world No. 1, later told Sky Sports that players might stage a boycott if Grand Slam organizers do not increase their prize pool share. Elena Rybakina, the world No. 2, also confirmed to Punto de Break her readiness to join a boycott if a majority of players agree.
Although the French Open organizers announced a 9.5% increase in the prize fund to €61.7 million—with singles champions earning €2.8 million and finalists €1.4 million—leading players deem the raise insufficient. They argue that less than 15% of tournament revenue is allocated to prize money, a figure they consider far too low given the sport’s commercial growth.