"Tennis players, like golfers, compete in individual sports," former Roland Garros director Guy Forget told Tennis Actu on 11/5. "No one is more selfish than a tennis player. They only think of themselves, only care about their own interests. Those around them – agents, coaches, fitness experts, media – all depend on them. At some point, they all want you to earn more and more money."

Forget, who managed Roland Garros from 2016-2021, stated he could speak freely because he no longer holds a position at the tournament. According to Forget, the debate over prize money distribution stems from the influence of those behind the players, rather than a genuine collective movement.

Guy Forget while working at the French Tennis Federation in 2021. Photo: Reuters

Addressing the possibility of a Grand Slam boycott, mentioned by Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and other players, Forget was unequivocal: "If a few people want to do that today, which I find a very strange idea, then they are free to do so. But I assure you that spectators will still buy tickets and continue to support the tournament."

Forget also provided specific figures to support his view. The former world number four revealed that the French Tennis Federation invested over 400 million EUR in Roland Garros from its own funds and is still repaying related loans.

"We did not receive government or local authority support for infrastructure investment," Forget added. "The Federation proactively invested, and naturally, they have the right to benefit from the results."

Forget argued that Grand Slam prize money has actually increased significantly without the need for collective struggles. He cited that over the past 10 years, prize money has more than doubled, with an annual increase of almost 15%.

"An average player now earns close to 100,000 USD even if they lose quickly after 45 minutes," Forget exemplified, noting that players losing in the first round of Roland Garros currently receive over 100,000 USD.

From the players' perspective, they argue they deserve a larger percentage of Grand Slam revenue. This point has been repeatedly raised by Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner, and Alexander Zverev during this year's clay season. Forget refutes this view.

Djokovic (left) congratulates Sinner after their semifinal match on Philippe Chatrier court, Paris, France, on the evening of 6/6/2025. They are among many players demanding Roland Garros share more prize money with athletes. Photo: Reuters

"Tomorrow there will be other Sabalenkas, players earning twice what she earns today. I hope they are sensible enough to say, ‘we are truly fortunate,’ instead of, ‘we don’t earn enough,’" Forget stated. "If I were 20 and in Sabalenka’s position right now, I would thank Bjorn Borg, I would thank Roger Federer, because those predecessors helped today’s players achieve a prosperous life."

This is considered a rare dissenting voice in a debate that has largely favored players recently. Previously, Sinner, Zverev, Sabalenka, Gauff, Novak Djokovic, Reilly Opelka, and many other players openly supported the stance of demanding a greater share of revenue for athletes.

By Vy Anh