PARIS. The French Open faced an unprecedented disruption on Thursday as players staged a collective protest over scheduling and prize money, prompting world number two Aryna Sabalenka to abruptly end a press conference. The Belarusian’s curt departure, after she accused officials of failing to address workload concerns, underscored a growing rift between the tennis elite and tournament organisers.
Sabalenka, who had just defeated Elina Svitolina in a rain-delayed quarter-final, walked out of the media room following a question about player welfare. “I have said enough,” she stated, before leaving. The incident occurred hours after a group of top-seeded players, including Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek, circulated a petition demanding guaranteed rest days and a larger share of Grand Slam revenues.
The protest, described as the most significant in the sport since the 1973 Wimbledon boycott, saw several players wear white ribbons during matches. British number one Cameron Norrie and 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu issued a joint statement expressing solidarity. “Player rights are non-negotiable. The current system is unsustainable,” they wrote on social media.
At the centre of the dispute are the French Tennis Federation’s decision to schedule night sessions without prior consultation and a 12 percent increase in prize money, which players argue fails to reflect the sport’s commercial growth. The ATP and WTA have backed the players, with the ATP stating that it is “exploring all legal avenues” to address grievances.
The protest has drawn comparisons to the 2019 Australian Open, when players threatened a boycott over prize money and scheduling. However, the scale of support this time is larger, with over 60 players reportedly signing the petition. French Open director Amélie Mauresmo dismissed the demands as “unreasonable” given the tournament’s budget, but conceded that dialogue was necessary.
Sabalenka’s walkout was the most dramatic moment of the day. Her press conference had been tense from the start, with questions focusing on her own complaints about late finishes. When asked whether she supported the broader protest, she replied, “I support my colleagues. Now I must go,” and left.
The episode risks overshadowing the tournament’s remaining matches. With the men’s and women’s finals scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, organisers are racing to contain the mutiny. A meeting between players and tournament officials is planned for Friday morning.
The British players’ involvement adds diplomatic weight. Norrie and Raducanu are among the most marketable figures in the sport, and their support signals that the protest has transcended national divides. The Lawn Tennis Association has declined to comment, but insiders suggest that British players are coordinating with their counterparts in France.
For now, the French Open remains a stage for tennis, but the script has been rewritten by the players. Whether the rebellion leads to reform or further friction will depend on the negotiations that lie ahead. One thing is clear: the era of silent players is over.
