World number one Jannik Sinner has said that top tennis players “don’t feel respected” in ongoing negotiations with Grand Slam organisers, as calls grow for reforms in prize money distribution, scheduling, and governance across the sport.
Speaking in Rome ahead of the Italian Open, Sinner said the dispute involving leading players is not solely about money but about fairness and how athletes are treated during discussions with tournament authorities.
He stressed that the concerns extend beyond elite players to include both men’s and women’s circuits, highlighting a broader push for structural ce in professional tennis.
“It’s more about respect. I think we give much more than what we are getting back,” Sinner said.
The reform campaign is being driven by a group of top ranked players, including women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka, who has also indicated that a boycott of Grand Slam events could be considered if negotiations fail to produce meaningful progress.
At the centre of the dispute is the percentage of revenue distributed to players from major tournaments such as Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open.
Players are reportedly pushing for a higher share of tournament revenues, arguing that current prize money allocations of around 9.5 percent are significantly below their expectations of about 22 percent.
Sinner expressed frustration that months of discussions have yet to produce a clear resolution, despite formal proposals and correspondence sent to organisers.
He also suggested that other professional sports often respond more quickly when athletes collectively raise concerns, pointing to delayed engagement from tennis authorities.
While meetings have taken place between player representatives and Grand Slam organisers, disagreements remain over revenue sharing, scheduling control, and the possible formation of a formal player council.
Despite growing pressure, Sinner stopped short of confirming any boycott plans, saying players still value the Grand Slam tournaments that define their careers.
The debate is expected to continue through the upcoming tennis season, with Wimbledon and the US Open likely to play a key role in determining whether tensions escalate or move toward compromise.
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