Tennis couple Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter set a benchmark for others as they won tour-level titles simultaneously last week. While de Minaur defeated Norwegian Casper Ruud in the Mexican Open final, Boulter eased past Marta Kostyuk in the San Diego final. The two players got 500 ranking points and boosted their rankings. However, there was a stark disparity in the prize money the two players earned.
To be precise, there was a difference of $270,000 in the prize money earned by de Minaur and Boulter. While the Australian ATP star won $412,555 in prize money after lifting the title in Acapulco, Boulter was awarded $142,000 in prize money for her title win in San Diego.
This big gap in the prize money was highlighted by a renowned account on X, Tennis Weekly Podcast. The page highlighted the gap and talked about the importance of equal prize money at Grand Slam tournaments.
Incredible wins for tennis couple Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter. Both win 500 level titles. Alex wins $412,555, Katie wins $142,000. Although not a like for like comparison, it's a stark reminder of the importance of equal prize money at grand slams. The page posted on X.
Incredible wins for tennis couple Alex de Minaur and Katie Boulter. Both win 500 level titles. Alex wins $412,555, Katie wins $142,000. Although not a like for like comparison, it's a stark reminder of the importance of equal prize money at grand slams.
— Tennis Weekly Podcast (@tennisweeklypod) March 4, 2024
This post drew mixed reactions from tennis fans. While some agreed that there is a need for equal prize money across the tours, a few fans tried to break the “economics“.
Equality is not the same as equity. Have you checked the total revenues produced and the proportions of prize money relative to the revenues? Boulter may be getting less (not equal) but the proportion may be the same (equitable). ATP and WTA participate in Grand Slam Events…
— Genku (玄空) (@Dogenku) March 4, 2024
The women make same money at Grand Slams. Maybe pretty close at WTA/ATP combination events, where most of the paying/viewing public are there for the men, with Serena the lone exception. Top WTA players are paid incredibly well, unlike say LPGA golfers and WNBA players.
— nickvid007 (@nickvid007) March 4, 2024
Important reminder that the WTA are free to negotiate as much prize money as the ATP are. It comes down to Ticket Sales, sponsorships, TV viewing etc.
— Pavvy G (@pavyg) March 4, 2024
If WTA are not generating the same revenue as the ATP it can't pay the same; its basic economics and nothing to do with gender.
And before people point out that women play best of three sets in WTA… so do the men in ATP…
— ModSocDem (@mod_soc_dem) March 4, 2024
Excluding gs whereas its a 5 and 3 three sets for man and woman respectively, it should be an equal pay for tournaments having 3 sets for both.
— Hathim (@itsmeherealltim) March 4, 2024
People always like to leave out the key word of “revenue” when talking about equal prize money. Show us ticket sales, attendance, and TV viewership numbers that create these differences in payouts.
— Danby (@Danbyrigs) March 4, 2024
Agreed, but how about the slams? Equal money for unequal work in favour of the women?
— Ross Murdoch (@cafebrouge) March 4, 2024
Did you even study basic economics or you think money grows on trees?
— FOOTBALL LEGENDS (@FootGends) March 4, 2024
They earn what they generate. Easy.
— Mia (@mementoo_vivere) March 4, 2024
The debate about prize money disparity in tennis has been there since the inception of the game. The debate has stayed for so long for its subjectiveness. There is a counter for every argument. While basic economics says that those who bring in more revenue get more money back, there is also a subjective reason behind lesser revenue for WTA Tour.
The sponsors are lured by ATP for the craze men’s tennis has among the fans. Barring a few exceptions, a men’s tennis match garners more views and gets more attention.
It is evident during the Grand Slam tournaments when the stadiums start to fill up only when there is a men’s match being played. Hence, sponsors tend to run behind the ATP.
The WTA, on the other hand, struggles to create buzz around its tournaments. Despite having top players like Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff, the WTA is unable to match the numbers with ATP. Such is the situation that the WTA is forced to seek help from Saudi Arabia despite so much resistance.
While Grand Slam tournaments have achieved saturation in terms of prize money disparity in tennis, the WTA is working hard to close the gap highlighted in the social media post above. The women’s tour has promised to offer equal prize money by 2033.
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