Paolini backs a possible boycott: "We are all united moving in the same direction"

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One more player adding to a possible boycott attempt that, if it happens, would be historic in the world of tennis. The prize money that Roland Garros will award this year, representing 14% of the tournament's earnings, has been the last straw in the tennis circuit. Several players have already shown their rejection and have opened the door to a future boycott. From Aryna Sabalenka to Coco Gauff, and including Elena Rybakina. Lastly, Jasmine Paolini.

The Italian, who arrives at WTA Rome as the defending champion, but after a very irregular start to the year, spoke about the issue of Roland Garros' prize money in an interview with Ubitennis, as well as her current situation and the pressure to try to retain the title at home.

Jasmine Paolini also sees positively a boycott after learning about Roland Garros' Prize Money

It was the first thing the Italian addressed in her interview and she went straight to the point: players are considering a boycott: "It's a popular topic. I think we do it to improve the situation for players, especially regarding pensions and maternity leave. Grand Slams do not address this issue, while the WTA does. That's the difference; we are fighting for it."

However, she is happy about the unity among players: "The positive thing is that we are all united, all moving in the same direction. The Grand Slams increase the prizes a bit, but not as a percentage of how much more they earn. Above all, they do not contribute to solving other problems. If we all agree, and I believe we do, we could consider boycotting them."

After the thorny issue of the boycott and prize money was discussed, Paolini revealed the reasons for her irregular start to 2026 with 9 wins and 9 losses and a semifinal at WTA Merida as her best result. "It's difficult to maintain consistency over an extended period. I didn't start the year well, I wanted to do better. I'm trying to fix things, hitting a lot, focusing on training, returning to a level that allows me to be competitive."

As the number 8 in the WTA ranking approaches the home tournament in a completely different situation from last year when she became the first Italian since Raffaella Reggi in 1985 to win in Rome, with the pressure of defending the crown. 

While she waits to rediscover her form in the upcoming tournaments: "When I step onto the court, I always try to do what I do best, but I don't always succeed. I'm trying to get back to my level to play more matches. It's important to find that level that allows me to be competitive in these tougher tournaments, which is what I like and enjoy. I'm constantly looking for that level, working on it, I don't know when it will come, but it's something I don't think about. I try to do things right and reap the rewards of my efforts," concludes a Jasmine Paolini who, while aiming to elevate her game in 2026, doesn't hesitate to consider a possible boycott.
 

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Paolini secunda un posible boicot: "Estamos todas unidas avanzando en la misma dirección"