By Russell Fuller, Tennis Correspondent in Rome — BBC Sport
World number one Aryna Sabalenka believes players will boycott a Grand Slam “at some point” because of the ongoing dispute over prize money. The men’s and women’s top-10 players are demanding a higher percentage of the revenue generated by the four majors, as well as benefit contributions and a greater say in areas such as scheduling. Speaking to the media in Rome before the Italian Open, Sabalenka said: “I think at some point we will boycott it. I feel like that’s going to be the only way to kind of fight for our rights. I feel like the show is on us. I feel like without us there wouldn’t be a tournament and there wouldn’t be that entertainment.”
Fourth-ranked Coco Gauff said she could “100%” see herself boycotting a Grand Slam “if everyone were to move as one and collaborate.” However, world number three Iga Swiatek said a boycott would be “a bit extreme,” while Britain’s Emma Raducanu said she “would not be a part” of any boycott. On Monday, a number of leading players expressed their “deep disappointment” at the prize money at this year’s French Open. The fund at Roland Garros has increased by 9.5% but players believe that is some way below the 22% of tournament revenue they feel they are entitled to. Sabalenka added: “I just really hope that we at some point are going to get to the right decision, to the conclusion that everyone will be happy with. I feel like nowadays, we girls can easily get together and go for this because some of the things I feel like it’s really unfair to the players.” World number two Elena Rybakina said she would go with the majority if a boycott were agreed. Coco Gauff noted: “From the things I’ve seen with other sports, usually to make massive progress and things like this, it takes a union. We have to become unionised in some way.”
MICKELSON WITHDRAWS FROM PGA CHAMPIONSHIP — By Matt Davis, BBC Sport Senior Journalist
Six-time major winner Phil Mickelson has withdrawn from next week’s PGA Championship because of “a personal health matter with his family,” organisers have said. The 55-year-old American also missed last month’s Masters. Mickelson, winner of the PGA Championship in 2005 and 2021, had been listed among the 154-strong field for the tournament at Aronimink Golf Club in Newton Square, Pennsylvania from May 14–17, before his withdrawal was announced with fellow American Max Homa replacing him. Mickelson also sat out the first four events of the 2026 LIV Golf season. Although he returned to action in March at Steyn City in South Africa, finishing tied 48th, he later announced a break from golf in early April. Mickelson’s 2021 PGA Championship victory meant he became the oldest major champion at the age of 50.