"They are represented by an underperforming body": Millman believes WTA is to blame for prize money disparity

Australian tennis player John Millman voiced his opinion on the gender pay gap in tennis, suggesting that the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) is responsible for it.

In his column for news.com.au, Millman discussed the salaries in women's tennis, stating that female players deserve equal pay to their male counterparts. However, he expressed concerns about the performance of the WTA in achieving this goal. Millman explained his perspective on why he believes the WTA is to blame for the gender pay gap.

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"The women have had equal pay in Grand Slam tennis for 25 years and it is time for them to receive equal pay right across the board. The WTA have had more than enough time to achieve that goal.

"Our female tennis players are some of the best athletes in the world and deserve to be paid equally, but unfortunately, they are represented by an underperforming body,” 33-years-old tennis player said.

Despite female tennis players being among the highest-earning athletes and receiving equal prize money in Grand Slam tournaments, they continue to experience unequal earnings compared to their male counterparts over the years.

Gender equality in tennis has made significant progress, thanks in part to the advocacy of Billie Jean King, which led the US Open to offer equal prize money to both men and women since 1973.

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"Tennis can be the envy of all sports when it finally achieves true equality, but I feel for that to happen, it needs to be under one umbrella and based on the track record that is with the ATP. Until then, equal pay is a pipe dream and won’t happen,”

"Tennis can be the envy of all sports when it finally achieves true equality, but I feel for that to happen it needs to be under one umbrella and based on track record that is with the ATP. Until then equal pay is a pipe dream and won’t happen," the Aussie wrote.

The difference in prize money between men and women is relatively low when we look at the top earners in 2022. Iga Swiatek received $9.9 million, while Carlos Alcaraz received $10.1 million. However, as we move down the earnings list, the differences become more noticeable. For example, in the tenth place of earnings on each tour, Simona Halep earned $2.3 million, while Hubert Hurckacz earned $3.8 million.

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