Tennis legend Maria Sharapova continues to champion tennis, especially women’s tennis. The five-time Grand Slam champion hung up her racket in 2020, but she still plays an active role within the fraternity. Sharapova has always lent her voice to important issues, and she did it again recently. Maria raised her concerns about the lack of promotion that has plagued the sport for years.
The former player shed light on the dismal state of women’s tennis. In a recent interview, she brought up the lack of promotion. Sharapova cited the example of this year’s US Open champion Coco Gauff to drive home her point.
Maria was present at the Arthur Ashe Stadium when Gauff lifted her maiden Grand Slam on home soil. It was a remarkable achievement as Gauff became the first teen to do so since Serena Williams. Hence, Maria was disappointed that there was not much buzz about where Coco would be playing next.
Maria Sharapova says tennis has a marketing problem & that 99% of US Open crowd had no idea Coco Gauff was playing in Beijing 3 weeks later:
“You had Coco Gauff winning her 1st Major at US Open in New York City. The crowd, the bridging culture, sport, fashion, all in that… pic.twitter.com/88d2U6E6OZ
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 14, 2023
This year’s US Open final drew in millions of viewers, the highest it has ever been. Sharapova pointed out that not many fans knew the youngster was playing in China, and that it was a missed opportunity. “She got to the semi-finals and lost but I’m sure 99 percent of the audience at the US Open had no idea where she was playing next. Right away that’s off the bat, that’s a problem,” she said (via Daily Express).
Coco Gauff enjoyed a remarkable reason. She won two WTA titles en route to the US Open, where she defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the final. Polish star Iga Swiatek finally ended her winning streak in Beijing last week.
Maria Sharapova has always spoken her mind. She did not hold back this time either. However, the lack of promotion was not the only issue, as Maria shone the light on an even greater issue.
Maria Sharapova spoke of one of the biggest issues affecting women’s tennis
One of the biggest problems in modern-day tennis is the pay disparity between men and women. Maria added that the Grand Slams offering equal prize money is not enough.
Sharapova cited the difference in pay between the ATP and WTA in the ongoing Asian swing. The prize money at the men’s tournament is $1.2 million, whereas for the women’s tournament, it is a measly $120,000. “The disparity is insane and that needs to be addressed,” she said.
Maria Sharapova says the gender pay gap needs to be addressed & the disparity is ‘insane’:
“Just this week, there’s a men’s tournament actually still happening in Shanghai with the Winner’s prize check of $1.2 million. In the same week, there’s a women’s tournament in China with… pic.twitter.com/b0guVdlTCx
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 14, 2023
This was very evident in the now-concluded Cincinnati Open. Novak Djokovic walked away with $1,019,335 for winning the title, whereas Gauff only won $454,500.
Maria Sharapova has been a true icon of the sport, and she continues to extend her influence despite her retirement. As players and fans draw attention to these major issues, hopefully, the governing bodies will pay heed.
