With the debate surrounding equal prize money continuing, the WTA have confirmed a new strategy which will see more earning opportunities at a higher level as well as equal prize money in both top two tournaments of the structure.
In WTA 1000 tournaments, there will be equal prize money at combined tournaments by 2027. Many already have this but certain examples such as Rome Open continue to fall behind. While non-combined will have them by 2033.
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All players who gain entry by ranking are now automatically entered for these tournaments, while two week tournaments will be implemented in Beijing, Toronto/Montreal and Cincinnati over 2024 and 2025 respectively to join Indian Wells, Miami, Rome and Madrid.
One week events in Doha and Dubai as well as one yet to be named will attain equal prize money by 2033.
In terms of WTA 500, there will be equal prize money at combined events by 2027 and non-combined by 2033 again. But a previous rumour has been confirmed with top 30 players only being allowed to have two exemptions a year to play WTA 250 tournaments.
If a WTA 500 tournament is the same week, barring using their exemption, they have to play the tournament. There will be 17 of these in all.
While in WTA 250, there will be a 34% increase in prize money at each tournament until 2033. But the prior exemptions only include home players, a player ranked between 11-30 or the defending champion.
WTA 125 tournaments will also receive an expansion to over 40 events in the next few years. There will also be playing opportunities for those who go out early at the two week tournaments outside the top 10.
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Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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