Aryna Sabalenka responded to criticism about the use of jewelry valued at around R$760,000 during Roland Garros, while participating in a protest by tennis players against the French tournament’s prize money. The world number 1 stated that there is no contradiction between displaying luxury accessories and fighting for a fairer distribution of Grand Slam’s revenue.
Acessórios of diamonds and grenades during victory
Sabalenka wore two necklaces and earrings made up of diamonds and garnets in his victory over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, last Tuesday, May 26th. The accessories were also seen at the press conference after the match, which was interrupted by a demonstration over the division of revenue from the French tournament.
The jewelry totaled 15.6 carats of diamonds and 136.5 carats of garnets, according to expert analysis. Apesar of the expressive value of adornments, the tennis player argued that the discussion revolves around structural issues of the circuit, not about personal gains.
Resposta to criticism about contradiction
Questionada directly about a possible hypocrisy between the luxury displayed and the financial protest, Sabalenka was emphatic. “Não understands how you can confuse two very different things. It’s not about me. Estamos fighting for lower-ranked players, for athletes returning from injury and for the next generation,” he said.
The leader of the world ranking reinforced that her personal financial position is not the heart of the matter. “Everyone knows I’m fine. Lutamos for a fair division of revenue”, added Sabalenka, making clear the distinction between his individual situation and the collective cause of tennis players.
Protest and dissatisfaction with the award
Players’ dissatisfaction intensified after Roland Garros announced an adjustment considered insufficient in this edition’s prize pool. The French tournament increased values by approximately 10%, a percentage lower than that recently applied by the US Open.
Segundo international vehicles, Roland Garros raised around 395 million euros in 2025, but allocated only 14.3% of revenue to athletes. Tennis players defend a share of more than 20% of Grand Slam’s total revenue:
- Campeões from singles receives 2.8 million euros
- Eliminados in the first round wins 87 thousand euros
- Diferença of about 32 times between initial winner and loser
- Percentual 14.3% of revenue goes to prizes
- Tenistas claim minimum 20% of total fundraising
The disparity between prizes reflects the distribution structure that players question. Enquanto champions receive substantial amounts, athletes eliminated early receive significantly smaller amounts, limiting developing tennis players’ access to adequate financial resources.
Tournament Contexto in Paris
Roland Garros continues until June 7th in Paris, with several tennis players maintaining a critical stance on the tournament’s prize policies. The athletes’ collective movement seeks to pressure the French Grand Slam authorities to reconsider their revenue distribution strategy.
Sabalenka’s participation in the protest, despite his consolidated position in the ranking and personal financial security, reinforces that the cause transcends individual situations. The world’s number 1 tennis player uses her platform to amplify the demands of athletes at the most vulnerable stages of their careers, those without million-dollar contracts or robust sponsorships.