World number one Aryna Sabalenka cut short her French Open news conference as part of a 15-minute limit on media duties in protest at the prize money on offer.
Players believe a greater share of the revenue generated by the Grand Slam tournaments should be allocated in prize money.
The 15-minute limit is meant to symbolise the 15% of revenue the French Open currently offers.
Several other leading players – including men’s world number one Jannik Sinner and four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek – also followed the ‘work-to-rule’ directive in Friday’s pre-tournament media day.
Novak Djokovic, who has regularly spoken out on behalf of players’ rights, did not take part in the action but supported the principle behind it.
Belarus’ Sabalenka has been a leading voice in the discussions and recently said players will boycott a Grand Slam “at some point” over the dispute.
The 28-year-old spent five minutes with the host broadcaster for an on-camera interview before a 10-minute news conference with written reporters.
She ended the English-speaking portion of her news conference to allow time for questions from her nation’s reporters.
“I’m here to talk to you because I have respect for you guys,” Sabalenka said.
“We just wanted to make our point and we are united – 15 minutes is better than zero.
“As I said a thousand times today, I have huge respect, but we know what’s happening here, so thank you so much.”
