World number two Aryna Sabalenka walked out of a press conference on Wednesday, cutting short questions about player protests at the French Open. The Belarusian, seeded second, cited a need to prepare for her quarterfinal match as she departed after less than two minutes. Her exit came as several top players voiced frustration over late-night scheduling and prize money disparities at Roland Garros.
The tournament has been hit by a series of complaints from players and their representatives over match timings. Novak Djokovic criticised organisers for scheduling his third-round match to finish after 3am local time. Ons Jabeur and Iga Swiatek have also publicly called for a review of the schedule. The issue of pay equity has also resurfaced, with female players arguing that the women’s draw receives a smaller share of total prize money than the men’s, despite equal billing.
Sabalenka’s abrupt departure followed a question about the player unrest. She said: “I am not going to comment on that. I am just here to play my tennis.” She then stood up and left the room. The WTA declined to comment on the incident, referring queries to tournament organisers. The French Tennis Federation (FFT) did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The protests have overshadowed the latter stages of the tournament. Several players have called for a meeting with FFT officials to discuss scheduling and remuneration. The FFT has defended its programme, citing television commitments and crowd demand. But the tension is unlikely to dissipate. The dispute echoes similar battles at other Grand Slams, most notably at the Australian Open, where players have long complained about extreme heat and late finishes.
Prize money at Roland Garros has increased steadily in recent years, but women’s singles winners received €2.2 million last year compared to €2.4 million for men. The gap has narrowed but remains a source of friction. The FFT has said it aims for equality by 2030, but players argue that the disparity is already out of step with the modern professional game.
The scheduling controversy has been particularly acute in Paris. Several matches have run past midnight, disrupting players’ recovery and preparation. Djokovic’s match against Lorenzo Musetti ended at 3:07am on June 5, the latest finish in French Open history. The world number one called it “not fair” for players. Jabeur, after winning her fourth-round match at 2am, said the schedule “messed with” her routine.
Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, is among the favourites for the title. She faces a tough quarterfinal. Her refusal to engage with the protest issue may reflect a desire to avoid distractions. But the conflict between players and organisers is unlikely to subside until concrete changes are made. Roland Garros, like other sports institutions, must balance commercial pressures with the welfare of competitors. For now, the tension is a backdrop to the tennis on court.
