Simon Jordan gives passionate rant on ‘imbecile’ tennis stars plotting boycott over prize money

Simon Jordan has dubbed tennis stars Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner ‘imbeciles’ for their collective plan to potentially boycott Grand Slams over a lack of prize money.

Sabalenka spoke ahead of the Italian Open this week about the possibility of boycotting future events over a dispute regarding prize money.

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The men’s and women’s top-ten players are demanding a higher percentage of revenue generated by the four majors – Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open – as well as benefit contributions and a greater say in scheduling.

“I feel like without us there wouldn’t be a tournament and it wouldn’t be that entertaining,” Sabalenka began.

“So I feel like we definitely deserve to be paid more. What can I say? I just really hope that with the negotiations we are having that at some point we are going to get to the right decision and a conclusion that everyone will be happy with.”

And when asked whether players may boycott and not play tournaments, she replied: “I think at some point, we’ll boycott it, yeah.

“I feel like that’s going to be the only way to fight for our rights.

“We’re trying our best, we’re doing what we can do. Let’s see how far we can get and if it’s going to take place for a boycott.

“I feel like nowadays we are girls, we can easily get together and go for this because it’s really unfair to the players and I think at some point it’s going to get to this.”

Sinner echoed Sabalenka’s sentiments, adding: “The issue isn’t just about money. The most important thing is respect.

“I believe we provide far more than we receive in return. This isn’t just an issue for a few top-ranked players. It’s a story shared by all male and female athletes.

“The top ten male and top ten female players have even sent an official letter together. Yet, after a year, we haven’t gotten any closer to the direction we want.”

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Coco Gnauff has also voiced her backing about a potential boycott, adding: “If we all collectively agree, then yes. I wouldn’t want to be the only one, but we definitely can move more as a collective.”

Speaking with Jim White, Danny Murphy and Marcus Buckland on talkSPORT, Jordan launched an impassioned argument against the likes of Sabalenka and Sinner, and their talk of a boycott.

“If it wasn’t for the tennis tournament they’d have nowhere to play,” Jordan said.

“If there was no Wimbledon, French Open, US Open, or Australian Open, there’d be nowhere to play so it’s a it’s a two-way transaction.

“If we didn’t have a tournament that attracted the world’s media and the best players and, you being one of them, you’d have nowhere to play, you imbecile.

“It’s aggravated me because it’s so one-dimensional.”

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British No.1 Emma Raducanu, who isn’t taking part in the Italian Open, has stated that she wouldn’t want to be a part of a boycott.

“It gives you something that money can’t and that is what is the most important to me, and what I value the most,” said Raducanu.

“I wouldn’t be a part of [a boycott] but each to their own.”

The 2026 French Open starts on Monday, May 18 and runs until Sunday, June 7.

Carlos Alcaraz will miss the tournament due to an ongoing wrist injury, which means there will be a new Roland-Garros champion crowned in Paris next month.