Players v Grand Slams: Aryna Sabalenka says top players will boycott a major ‘at some point’ over prize money
Poland’s Swiatek said she would prefer continued discussions and negotiations with the majors instead of 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,” the Wimbledon champion 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.”
But French Open champion Gauff thinks strike action would be a genuine possibility if the players come together as one.
“If we all collectively agree, then yes,” the American said.
“I wouldn’t want to be the only one, but we definitely can move more as a collective.
“From the things I’ve seen with other sports, usually to make massive progress and things like this, it takes a union. We have to become unionised in some way.”
World number two Elena Rybakina says she has not been involved in the campaign, but would go with the majority.
“If the majority say we are boycotting, then of course I’m up for it. It’s not an issue,” the Australian Open champion said.
World number five Jessica Pegula has been an articulate advocate of the players’ campaign, but virtually ruled out strike action during a BBC Sport interview in Indian Wells in March.
“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.”
