Sabalenka Predicts Grand Slam Boycott Over Prize Money Dispute

World number one Aryna Sabalenka said players will boycott a Grand Slam at some point because of the dispute over prize money.

The top-10 men's and women's players demand a higher percentage of revenue from the four majors, plus benefit contributions and more say in scheduling such as tournament schedules.

Players had stayed cautious about strike action until Sabalenka spoke to media in Rome before the Italian Open.

"I think at some point we will boycott it. I feel like that's going to be the only way to kind of fight for our rights," the Belarusian said.

"I feel like the show is on us. I feel like without us there wouldn't be a tournament and there wouldn't be that entertainment."

World number three Iga Swiatek backs higher prize money but called a boycott "a bit extreme." Second-ranked Elena Rybakina said she would follow the majority.

On Monday, leading players voiced "deep disappointment" at this year's French Open prize money. The fund at Roland Garros rose 9.5 percent, but players say it falls short of the 22 percent of tournament revenue they believe they deserve.

"I just really hope that we at some point are going to get to the right decision, to the conclusion that everyone will be happy with," Sabalenka, 28, said.

"I feel like nowadays, we girls can easily get together and go for this because some of the things I feel like it's really unfair to the players."

Last year's US Open prize money increased by 20 percent, and the Australian Open in January saw a nearly 16 percent rise.

Wimbledon will announce its prize money next month.

Poland's Swiatek, the Wimbledon champion, prefers talks with the majors over a boycott.

"I think the most important thing is to have proper communication and discussions with the governing bodies so we have some space to talk and maybe negotiate," she said.

"Hopefully before Roland Garros there's going to be opportunity to have these type of meetings and we'll see how they go. But boycotting the tournament, it's a bit extreme kind of situation."

"I guess we as players are here to play as individuals, and we're competing against each other. So it's really hard for me to say how it would work, if it's even there on the picture. For now, I haven't heard anything."

Australian Open champion Rybakina said: "I honestly don't know. If the majority say we are boycotting, then of course I'm up for it. It's not an issue."

World number five Jessica Pegula has pushed the players' campaign but nearly ruled out strikes in a March BBC Sport interview in Indian Wells.

"We love playing the Slams - I don't think anyone's going to strike against the Slams," the American said.

"I just think it's us asking for what we think we deserve, but I do think that if the men and the women can come together - which we have on that front - and keep pushing, there's nothing wrong with us just asking for what we think is right."