The French Open will lift its prize pool by 9.5% for 2026, a hike aimed squarely at the qualifying draw and early rounds. Players have long argued that the rewards should spread further, and the increase follows a broader push from top competitors across the sport’s elite circuit, promising more balanced earnings for all.

Jessica Pegula, the women’s world No. 5, led the campaign, noting that even the US Open concentrated most payouts at the finale. She urged a fairer distribution so that players fighting through qualifiers receive a tangible share, echoing whispers that the current prize structure favours only the final stages for both men’s and women’s tours alike.

At Roland Garros, director Amélie Mauresmo pledged no extra cameras will encroach on player zones, a move that follows criticism from figures like Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff. The decision comes as the French Tennis Federation keeps line judges in place despite the rise of electronic line calling at other Grand Slams and rallying players worldwide.

The tournament will also approve fitness trackers for players, a first for Roland Garros, allowing athletes to monitor sleep, strain and heart rate during matches. With prize money rising and privacy safeguards tightening, the 2026 Open signals a shift toward a more equitable and technologically integrated tennis experience for competitors, sponsors, and global audiences alike.