By Dharmesh Prajapati

Luxury sparks criticism: Sabalenka wore $114K jewellery during her French Open match, prompting claims it undermined her push for higher prize money.

Focus on lower ranks: She argued the prize money fight is about helping lower-ranked players cover expenses, not enriching top stars like herself.

Revenue share dispute: Players want Grand Slams to raise prize money share from under 15% of revenue to around 22%, intensifying tensions with organisers.

Aryna Sabalenka’s lobbying for higher Grand Slam revenue share

©Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images. PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 22: Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus attends a press conference ahead of the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros on May 22, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images)See moreIn the weeks leading up to the French Open, Aryna Sabalenka actively campaigned for a greater share of Grand Slam revenues for players. She joined other top players in advocating for changes to the distribution of tournament income. This lobbying effort was part of a broader push to improve financial conditions for competitors.

Aryna Sabalenka’s participation in media duties protest

Aryna Sabalenka reacts at the press conference before the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros on May 22, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)See moreAryna Sabalenka, along with other top players, reduced her participation in media duties as a form of protest. This action was intended to support their campaign for a higher share of Grand Slam revenues. The protest occurred in the lead-up to the French Open.