Sinner all-in as Grand Slam boycott pressure grows

Jannik Sinner on Thursday threw limited support behind the proposed Grand Slam prize money boycott movement, with the world No. 1 voicing his thoughts before his start at the Rome Masters.

“We’ve been quiet for a long time,” the Italian said of his fellow ATP and WTA players. “The time to talk (to tournament bosses about a lack of prize money) has now arrived. 

“It’s tough to say,” the top seed said of his own inclination.

“I cannot predict the future in a way. But in the same time I also believe that somewhere we need to start.”

“We all know that the Slams are the most prestigious tournaments. We are not asking for 50 percent of the profits.”

But he added: “Of course, we talk about money. (But) the most important is respect, and we just don’t feel it. 

“I think we players, we are a bit disappointed also of the outcome of Roland Garros (prize money up but is a lower percentage of overall takings).

“(We will soon) know also the prize money we’re going to have in Wimbledon. We truly hope that it’s going to be better. 

“I do understand players talking about boycott,  ’cause it’s somewhere we also need to start. 

“Now it has been a very long time with this.. (we are looking) in the future.”

Sinner’s voice was added to those of  his WTA counterpart Aryna Sabalenka, along with defending Roland Garros winner Coco Gauff, who have spoken up in recent days.