Do women players deserve equal pay as their male counterparts? This long-standing discussion continues to spark debates worldwide. Recently, a Russian professional player dropped a controversial opinion on this matter. The ATP star’s remarks showcase the prevailing mindset that has slowed the fight for equal prize money between ATP and WTA stars.

According to Forbes, the Association of Women’s Tennis has already started its movement towards equal pay, and they believe they will successfully omit the gender-based pay gap in sports by 2033. This goal was first announced by the legendary Billie Jean King when she founded the association 50 years ago. Although the US Open tournament has started paying the champions equal money, many Majors are yet to reach that. For example, the 2024 Italian Open offered ATP champion $8.2 million whereas WTA players competed for $5.5 million. Even the NY Times argued how different tournaments pay players different amounts based on gender. Amidst this situation, many renowned personalities such as Serena Williams and her Reddit co-founder husband have taken dedicated oaths to clear the pay gap based on gender.

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion and can have different views. I think there should be equal pay, 100 per cent. The whole thing doesn’t stack up. It depends on the matches day by day. One of the things Novak said was that if women are selling more seats and tickets they should make more,” said Murray agreeing with King, Williams, Ohanian, and others.

However, not many players are still ok with the proposal. For example, former Russian ATP star Nikolay Davydenko has a surprising opinion about the matter. “In the 250, 500, 1000 category tournaments, it’s possible. But when you talk about Grand Slam tournaments… You don’t play five-set matches. Serena Williams won the Grand Slams, losing only 10 games in the tournament. She won 6–0, 6–1, 6–2 without even breaking a sweat or feeling stressed. And men lose 10 games in the first match alone, you have to fight. Sometimes you play a five-setter in the first round and then you lose. Male tennis players work three times harder than female tennis players, especially in Grand Slam tournaments. So it’s unfair to pay them equally,” he said. Davydenko’s statement highlighted the male player’s competition but his example wasn’t appropriate. If Williams won a Major title with only 10 losses in the tournament, then it showcases the American WTA legend’s skill.

The Russian’s opinion is in complete contrast with Nadal’s who has a great way of looking at equal pay. He once highlighted why women athletes should get more money.

Rafael Nadal expressed a surprising opinion about the equal pay agenda in tennis

In an interview with La Sexta, Nadal was asked his opinion on whether women WTA stars deserve to be paid equally like the ATP stars. Nadal said in his response, “I don’t want to be hypocritical and say things that are easy to say and that I don’t feel. What do you want me to say? For me, the investment for women should be the same as for men, he opportunities, the same. The salaries, the same? No, for what? It’s not unfair, what’s unfair is that there isn’t equal opportunity. I have a mother and a sister. If you tell me that men and women deserve the same opportunities, I’m a feminist. This term is taken to the extreme. If we’re talking about logical and normal things in this conversation, of course I want equality. For me, equality isn’t about giving away gifts, but if Serena Williams earns more than me, I want her to earn more than me. I want equality, I want women to earn more than men if they generate more than men” His statement highlighted that he doesn’t differentiate between ATP and WTA stars and simply believes one should be paid more if they generate more value.

The debate regarding the huge pay disparity in tennis has attracted the spotlight since forever. Following new initiatives, WTA is taking a firm stand for its players. It is believed that in the future the pay gap will hopefully be gone and female players will enjoy their deserving rewards.