Novak Djokovic on Players’ Grand Slam Boycott Threat over Revenue Disputes: “My Position is Very Clear”

Players must come together and fight for something that would benefit everyone, asserted Novak Djokovic when asked about the possible boycott of a Grand Slam tournament due to the prize money dispute. Aryna Sabalenka first floated the idea of boycotting a Major in the pre-tournament press conference of the ongoing Italian Open, and was backed by her fellow players from both the ATP and the WTA.

But Iga Swiatek, even though she agrees that the Grand Slam events should pay a greater share of the revenue to the players, doesn’t like the idea of boycotting the French Open, where she will be chasing her fifth title. Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina will join if everyone boycotts, and so is men’s World No.1 Jannik Sinner.

The Roland Garros has announced the total prize pool for this year is $72.1 million, a 9.53% increase from 2025. But the players are projected to receive 14.9% (decrease from 15.5% in 2024) of the revenue as prize money.

When Djokovic was asked in his pre-tournament press conference in Rome what he thinks of the possible boycott, he gave his full support, even though he is not a part of the conflict.

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 well-being but for everyone. That’s a true leadership for me, and I think she needs to maintain that. I salute that.

Djokovic understands that tennis, like any other global sports, is, at the end of the day, a business, and so it is important to take care of things from all sides.

I am watching more from the side, to be honest. I haven’t been part of those meetings and conversations. But my position is very clear: I support the players and always will support stronger player position in the ecosystem.

Novak Djokovic added

Players have sent multiple letters to the Grand Slams, and once last year, Carlos Alcaraz said things were a bit messy when it comes to communication between both sides. Things indeed look messy, because now for players, boycotting remains the only option.

Novak Djokovic hopes every player can make a living from tennis

Novak Djokovic and Canada’s former ATP player Vasek Pospisil started the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) to address many problems the players, particularly the lower-ranking players, have been facing. Djokovic, although he is no longer a part of the organization, said the lower-ranked players struggle to make a living from tennis, and he also pointed out that some players also end up leaving tennis due to a lack of funding.

In the PTPA, we conducted studies and research on how many players, both men and women, in singles and doubles, actually make a living from this sport. And the number is very small. When we talk about making a living from this sport, we mean having money left after covering all expenses, travel, support staff, and more to save or invest. And very few can do that.

Novak Djokovic said at the press conference in Rome

Djokovic is set to start his campaign on Friday (May 8) against Dino Prizmic. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, also the champion here six times, had skipped the tournament last year and instead played at the Geneva Open, where he defeated Hubert Hurkacz in the final to win his 100th singles title.

Djokovic has already played a final this year. He reached the title clash of the Australian Open and lost the match to Carlos Alcaraz.

Also read: Stefanos Tsitsipas Takes Dig at Goran Ivanisevic with His Grand Slam Guarantee Remark