Monte Carlo Masters merchandise controversy: Illustrator seeks compensation after design used without permission

The design sold at the tournament features five tennis rackets in various states of damage Julian Finney/Getty Images Share full articleAn illustrator who learned that one of her designs was used for merchandise at the Monte Carlo Masters without permission is seeking compensation for use of her intellectual property and emotional distress. Yana Boyko’s design, which she drew in June 2024, has appeared on a t-shirt sold at the ATP Masters 1000 event. Someone congratulated her on the collaboration with the tournament, but, Boyko said via voice message Thursday: “Neither the tournament organizers nor any third parties ever contacted me.” A spokesperson for the tournament attributed the error to a third-party supplier, which they declined to name, during a phone interview Saturday. They said that the tournament was taking the matter seriously and intended to make amends with Boyko. The illustration, the use of which on the merchandise was first reported by Hard Court, features five tennis rackets in various states of damage, with the tagline, “when it’s more than just a game”. Boyko also shared photos of the illustration in her sketchbook. The tournament’s merchandise range features several other designs, most of them referencing the Monte Carlo Country Club, where the event, one rung below a Grand Slam, is played. Boyko said via voice message that the tournament was yet to contact her as of Saturday afternoon, beyond apologizing for the situation. The illustrator, who started focusing on her practice during the Covid-19 pandemic with an emphasis on tennis illustrations, said she has not collaborated with the ATP, WTA nor ITF in the past. The Monte Carlo Masters spokesperson later said via message that the tournament has contacted Boyko on social media to resolve the matter. Boyko, who said she is currently on maternity leave with a five-month-old child, said the experience has shaken her. “I am awaiting acknowledgment of authorship, a public apology, compensation for the use of my intellectual property, and compensation for emotional distress,” she said. “Starting yesterday evening and throughout the night, I have not been able to sleep.” Men’s world No. 1 and No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will contest the final Sunday, after they beat Alexander Zverev and Valentin Vacherot in their respective semifinals. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms James Hansen is a Senior Managing Editor for The Athletic covering tennis. Prior to joining The Athletic in 2024, he spent just under five years as an editor at Vox Media in London. He attended Cambridge University, where he played college tennis (no relation to the American circuit), and is now a team captain at Ealing Tennis Club in west London. Follow James on Twitter @jameskhansen