"I hope I make it to 2027 so I can see it": WTA founder Billie Jean King 'excited' by equal prize money announcement
WTA
Former world number one Billie Jean King has expressed
excitement after the announcement of equal prize money for both men and women
tennis players at Wimbledon 2023.
The third Grand Slam of the year began on Monday in London.
This time around, the players representing both ATP and WTA are set to receive similar
prize money, starting with winners receiving £2 million each whereas the losing
players from the first round are set to receive £50,000.
King, who is also the founder of WTA, while speaking to the media,
expressed enthusiasm over the development.
“I’m truly excited,” she said. “When I heard the news, that
– I think it’s 2027 we’ll have equal money. Well, I hope I make it to 2027 so I
can see it, that would be wonderful. It’s taken a lot of people to get to this
point and lot of generations, at least decades. I love the fact the WTA and ATP
are working together.
“I always wanted it to be one association anyway. So I’m
always delighted when I hear the more we work together. And to have this equal
prize money is always the dream. Because it represents not just tennis, it
represents women all over the world and where we’re trying to get to. When you
work it’s equal, and get equal pay, and you always want equal respect as well
and being good to each other is really important.”
The six-time Wimbledon singles champion also expressed
optimism to see both ATP and WTA merge into a single body, something she has
been hoping for a long time.
“I always pray that they’ll be together as one association,”
said King. “I think maybe we should start using the word ‘league’, because
people tend to write about leagues or team sports more. Although I think we’re
a team sport and an individual sport. But I think the ATP and the WTA, without
them we wouldn’t be where we are and I’m thrilled, I love it when we work
together.”
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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