ROME — Talk of a boycott from top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner has grabbed attention.
Behind the scenes, it’s been Jessica Pegula, the 2024 US Open runner-up, organizing the top tennis players in their protest with the Grand Slams over the share of tournament revenues devoted to prize money.
It comes naturally to Pegula, who grew up in a household of sports managers: Her parent own the L’s Buffalo Bills and the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres.
“I think it maybe does (come naturally) just because I feel like I’ve taken on a bit of a leadership role with it,” Pegula said.
Already this year, No. 5-ranked Pegula was named to lead a new 13-person panel to suggest changes to the women’s tennis calendar, rankings points rules and the requirements about competing in certain events. Now she’s taking on the prize money issue, too.
“I’m not afraid to go up to any type of player and go like, ‘Hey, are you interested in this or not?’” Pegula said. “Some players, they don’t care, sometimes they’re not worried about it. Sometimes they’re like, ’Yeah, for sure, I’m 100% in.’ I’ve been reaching out to players on the men’s and women’s side.”
Sabalenka said last week the players should consider a boycott for a bigger slice of tournament revenue, while Sinner said there’s a lack of respect.
“At the end of the day the players are the ones that have the big voices,” Pegula said. “It’s been nice to see Aryna and Jannik kind of step out. I know a lot of other players feel the same way. But to have the two No. 1s very outspoken about it, that’s kind of what it takes to get them to listen.” AP
