Aryna Sabalenka made it clear that the growing player push against the Grand Slams is not just about the sport’s biggest stars demanding more money.
According to the world No. 1, the fight is really about protecting the future of lower-ranked players struggling to survive in professional tennis.
Speaking during media day at the French Open, Sabalenka defended the symbolic protest staged by several top players at Roland Garros.
“I feel like the whole point here, it’s not about me,” Sabalenka said.
“It’s about the players who are lower in the ranking, who are suffering. It’s not easy to live in this tennis world with that percentage that we are earning.”
The Belarusian star was among several leading players who drastically reduced their media commitments
on the eve of the tournament.
Normally, players spend up to 90 minutes handling interviews, photoshoots and sponsor obligations during media day. This time, however, many of the sport’s elite capped their duties at just 15 minutes.
The number was no accident.
It symbolised the roughly 15% of Grand Slam revenue that currently goes toward player prize money — a figure many players believe is unfair given tennis’ booming commercial success.
Sabalenka participated only in a brief five-minute broadcaster interview and a mandatory 10-minute press conference before leaving.
“We wanted to get our message across,” she explained.
“At least 15 minutes is better than zero.”
The protest quickly gained support from some of the sport’s biggest names, including Jannik Sinner and four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic publicly backed the movement despite not directly participating in the coordinated action.
“I have always stood with players for their rights and a better future,” Djokovic said.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion also highlighted the financial imbalance that exists beneath the surface of elite tennis.
“People often forget how few can make a living from this sport,” Djokovic added.
Sabalenka echoed that same sentiment repeatedly throughout the day, insisting the issue extends far beyond the top-ranked names dominating headlines.
“As the world No. 1, I feel like I have to stand up and fight for those players,” she said.
“For lower-level players, for players coming back after injuries, for the upcoming generation.”
