"I hope I make it to 2027 so I can see it": WTA founder Billie Jean King 'excited' by equal prize money announcement

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.”