Tennis takes pride in its long-standing tradition of providing equal prize money for male and female players in the four Grand Slam tournaments. However, the significant disparity in prize money at this week’s joint tournament in Cincinnati serves as a reminder that equal pay remains a distant dream in the sport.
In 1973, the US Open made history by becoming the first Grand Slam tournament to offer equal prize money to both male and female competitors. This decision raised eyebrows at the time, as women were essentially earning more than their male counterparts due to playing matches over the best of three sets, compared to the best-of-five sets for men.
Billie Jean King, a tennis icon, spearheaded the campaign for equal prize money at the US Open. In the year prior to the change, she had received only $10,000 for her victory, while Ilie Nastase collected $25,000. Her efforts paved the way for change and set a precedent for other tournaments to follow.
The Australian Open followed suit in 1984, offering equal prize money. However, in 1996, they reverted to paying the men more, citing higher ratings for men’s matches. This decision was eventually overturned in 2001, and since then, both male and female winners have received the same amount.
In 2007, the French Open and Wimbledon joined the US Open and the Australian Open in providing equal prize money to their men’s and women’s champions. Since then, all four Grand Slam tournaments have maintained this policy.
However, despite the progress made at Grand Slam events, regular tour events still lag behind in terms of equal pay. The main reason for this discrepancy is not sexism or bias against women’s tennis but rather the fact that the WTA Tour has less lucrative broadcast and sponsorship deals compared to the ATP Tour.
This disparity in financial support leads to male players earning more than their female counterparts. This difference becomes particularly evident during weeks like the current Cincinnati tournament, where both the ATP and WTA are hosting their marquee pre-US Open events at the same venue. The men’s champion will receive nearly double the prize money compared to the women’s champion.
Rafael Nadal, a tennis legend, shared his perspective on the equal pay debate earlier this year. He emphasized that he believes in equal opportunities for both men and women in terms of investment, opportunities, and salaries. However, he also acknowledged that it is not about giving away gifts or insisting on equal earnings. Instead, he emphasized the importance of equality being based on the value and contribution that each individual brings to the sport.
In conclusion, while progress has been made in terms of equal prize money at Grand Slam tournaments, there is still work to be done to achieve true equality in tennis. The financial disparities between male and female players at regular tour events highlight the commercial realities that contribute to this gap. It is a complex issue that requires ongoing discussions and efforts to ensure equal opportunities and recognition for all players, regardless of gender.
Photo from Cincinnati Open Instagram
