Emma Navarro says she put her name to a letter signed by the world’s top tennis players calling for significant improvements in prize money at the four grand slams as a way to ensure equal treatment.
French media outlet L’Equipe reported this week almost all the top 20 WTA and ATP players had sent the letter to organisers of Wimbledon, and the Australian, French and US opens recently demanding a more equitable distribution of revenue.
While those at top of the game can benefit from increased prize money, players at the lower levels often struggle due to a lack of steady sponsorship as well as expensive coaching, travel and accommodation.
“I talked a little bit to the other players about it and felt like it was a good idea to sign,” world number 11 Navarro told reporters at the Charleston Open in South Carolina.
“I think there have been some sort of unfair pay ratios — I don’t know the correct terminology — in the past.
“I think it’s a good cause to come together as players and make sure we’re getting treated fairly.”
The United States Tennis Association (USTA), which runs the US Open, confirmed it had received the letter and said it “welcomes open and direct conversations with players”.
The USTA noted it was proud of its history of leadership on player compensation.
“This includes offering equal prize money to men and women for more than 50 years and awarding the largest purse in tennis history at the 2024 US Open,” a USTA statement read.
World number eight Qinwen Zheng said more money from the grand slam tournaments would filter down to the lower ranks.
“I think that’s going to benefit all the players, not only the top players, especially those that work hard during the year and need to get paid from the grand slams and have to survive,” she said.
Qinwen said she was unsure if the demands of the players would be met.
“We try to do what we can, and then let’s see what the gods bring to us,” she said.
“But at least we’re trying.”
Reuters
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