The recent conclusion of the Cincinnati Masters brought in questions about the prize money. A vast wage gap was seen in the event as there was compression between the WTA tour and the ATP tour. Unlike the grand slams, both events had the same amount of sets in every match. Novak Djokovic earned twice more than Coco Gauff after winning the event.
Djokovic earned over $1,019,335 after taking the trophy at Cincinnati, while Gauff pocketed $454,500. Many events still have differences in prize money on the tour. Fans and players have spoken about the pay disparity, which made certain events take the step while some remain unchanged. The prize money has been increased on the WTA tour but falls behind compared to the ATP tour.
Novak Djokovic will receive $1,019,335 for winning the ATP1000 event in Cincinnati
Coco Gauff will receive $454,500 for winning the WTA1000 event in Cincinnati
They played at the same venue all week
They played best of 3 sets all week
They will not get paid the same— Myles David (@TunedIntoTennis) August 21, 2023
The men’s doubles winners M. GONZALEZ & A. MOLTENI took home $312,740 as a pair
The women’s doubles winner T. TOWNSEND & A. PARKS took home $133,840 as a pair
— Myles David (@TunedIntoTennis) August 21, 2023
The WTA tour recently announced that they have been taking steps to increase the prize money gradually. Joint ATP-WTA events will have equal prize money by 2027. The separate events will have equal prize money by 2033.
The announcements in the WTA tour were made after CVC Capital Partners, a private equity firm, bought a 20% stake in the tour for $150 million. There have been points made in reasons for the difference in pay.
The wage gap between male and female athletes
The recent changes announced by the WTA have been due to the collective efforts of players and other individuals. The WTA tour also announced that more events will be added to the calendar. It is good news that there will be more events rewarding equal pay. These changes provoke a substantial question regarding why the ATP players earn more.
The ATP Tour brings in more value with broadcast, and sponsorship deals are the reason for the difference in prize money. Former UFC fighter Ronda Rousey was once asked about the wage gap between both genders in general, and her response was, “I think that how much you get paid should have something to do with how much money you bring in.”
In all four grand slams, men and women are paid the same even though the women play three sets while men best of five sets.
Andy Murray has called for one governing body which can help bring in equal pay for all. He said the ATP and WTA could join hands to address the issue. But an alliance seems a bit complicated given the current situation of the sport.
It will be essential to see how many events take action against the issue. Cincinnati Masters might make changes next year or be criticized for not taking action.
