John McEnroe has urged tennis players to consider boycotting Grand Slam events to secure a larger share of tournament revenues. Notable players, including Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, reduced their media availability during the French Open and Wimbledon as part of a protest aimed at achieving a 22 percent revenue share by 2030.
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Speaking at the Laver Cup in London over the weekend, McEnroe stressed the need for players to be recognized as partners in major tournaments. He expressed concern about the minimal revenue they currently receive, stating, "The fact that they’re not causes friction... I’m hopeful and I’m skeptical."
McEnroe, a former player, remarked on the challenges players face, sharing his own experiences and sympathizing with their struggles. He acknowledged the prestige of Wimbledon and the US Open, commending the efforts of organizers but insisting that players should benefit from the events’ success.
To address these financial concerns, McEnroe suggested that a boycott of some Grand Slams might be necessary. He also called for reforms in match formats, proposing that the fifth set in major tournaments be replaced with a match tie-break to alleviate issues of lengthy matches and late-night scheduling. He highlighted the late finish of a match between Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open, which ended at 3:33 AM, and indicated that tennis needs to adapt to maintain fan interest.