The French Open has cut its prize money across the board for the 2021 competition due to lower revenue as a result of COVIC-19 protocols. But doubles players took the biggest hit. Prize money for doubles was cut by 23%. Singles players, on the other hand, will see their prize money drop approximately 10%.
Jamie Murray lashed out at the FFT, which runs the French Open for the drop in prize money. He also expressed his displeasure at the official hotel for the tournament, and for allowing only one team member to support the doubles players during the event.
Thanks for actively supporting all players across the tour. 🤗
— Jamie Murray (@jamie_murray) May 25, 2021
Ps. Your official hotel for doubles players is absolute toilet. 🚽
Pps. Thanks for allowing us the opportunity to bring one team member to support us during the event. 👨❤️👨 👍 (2/2)
Doubles – In a Tough Financial Spot
At major tennis tournaments, singles competitions bring a bulk of the revenues. Most fans don’t watch doubles. Doubles is also rarely shown on TV. Doubles does not bring in enough money on its own to pay the players.
Former British Number 1 Greg Rusdesk took to Twitter to lay out the tough economics for the doubles competition.
If doubles players can prove that tv rights deals, sponsors, & the limited fans who have access are coming in for doubles then argue the case with the numbers, percentages,& facts. Obviously the organisers must have thought about this with regards to prize money distribution.
— Greg Rusedski (@GregRusedski1) May 26, 2021