ROME.- Jannik Sinner demanded this Thursday from the tournaments grand slam that they show more respect to the tennis players in the midst of a dispute over prizes in these tournaments, although he was cautious about positioning himself in favor of a boycott as other stars on the circuit have done.
Last year almost all of the top players signed two letters to those responsible for the four Grand Slams demanding an increase in prize money, contributions to a player welfare fund to improve retirement and maternity benefits, as well as participation in decisions that affect them.
The letters asked for 22% of the Big Four’s revenue (Australia, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open) for awards to tennis players, but Sinner admitted this Thursday in Rome that they are far from achieving that goal.
“It’s more about respect. Because I think we give much more than we receive. It’s not just for the best players; it’s for all of us,” he declared at a press conference prior to his debut in the Rome Masters 1000on Saturday before Sebastian Ofner either Alex Michelsen.
“It’s not nice that after a year we’re not even close to completing what we would like to achieve.”
On Monday, the number one in the world, the Belarusian Aryna Sabalenkastated that she was willing to boycott the Grand Slams so that the players would force the hand of the organizers.
These comments came after the tennis players stated in a statement that last month’s announcement by Roland Garros of a 9.5% increase in prize money was insufficient, since it represents just over 14% of the Parisian tournament’s income.
Sinner was cautious when referring to a possible boycott: “The players are disappointed by the result of Roland Garros. We will see what happens.”
“I understand that the players talk about a boycott because at some point we also have to start,” he insisted.
“Nole” stance
The Serbian Novak Djokovic (38 years old), former world number one who is preparing to reappear on Friday in Rome after a shoulder injury that left him out of Miami, Monte Carlo and Madridgave his support to the tennis players in this battle.
“My position is very clear, I support the players and I will always support the stronger position of the players in this ecosystem,” he declared.
He also praised the “leadership” of figures like Sabalenka in this claim.
