Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka will be in a mood for a celebration. And why wouldn’t they be? After all, bagging the Cincinnati Masters title simplifies matters. But, hold that thought for a moment. There might be a small hiccup, at least for Sabalenka. A troubling update can likely dishearten the Belarusian, notably months after she expressed her resentment towards the subject.

The hardcourt event has welcomed two new champions this season and mind it, they have showcased impressive on-court skills. In men’s singles, Sinner outfoxed the likes of Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev, despite physical restraints and injury concerns, on the way to the title decider. The Italian then locked horns with Frances Tiafoe in the summit clash wherein he surpassed the American in straight sets, 7-6(4), 6-2.

Meanwhile, in the women’s category, Sabalenka finessed her competitors Elina Svitolina, Liudmila Samsonova, and Iga Swiatek to secure a berth in the event’s final round. While contesting against Jessica Pegula, the No. 3 seed faced minimal resistance from the American star and concluded the duel with a score line of 6-3, 7-5. However, things took a steep turn afterward.

While collecting their respective pay check, a huge disparity in their prize money was witnessed. Notably, Sabalenka received half the amount as Sinner’s. The men’s champion minted a jaw-dropping $1,049,460 while the Belarusian walked away with merely $523,485.

This, in turn, is a sight for concern. While Grand Slams have remedied these differences, several tournaments on the circuit adhere to a gender pay gap. Moreover, at the 2023 Italian Open, WTA stars and members of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) voiced their concerns about the disparity after announcing their commitment to achieving pay equity by 2025.

Member of the PTPA and World No. 27 Paula Badosa said, “I don’t know why it’s not equal right now. They don’t inform us. They say this is what you get and you have to play.” Moreover, two-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur also made her reservations clear saying that “It’s time for change. It’s time for the tournament to do better.” Meanwhile, Sabalenka has also expressed his disappointment on the pay gap while making an honest admission on men’s superior payout.

Aryna Sabalenka demands equal pay for female stars but admits ‘men are better’

Last year, Aryna Sabalenka gave her verdict on gender pay disparity and called for its abolition across all boards on the tennis circuit. While talking to the reporters, the US Open finalist highlighted that women should be fairly compensated as men in all sports, before opining that men ‘are better’ and ‘stronger’ in tennis.

She said, “We are working really hard. It’s not like we are doing nothing and they [are] paying us the same money. The level is probably different. Of course, [the] men’s are stronger. Anyway, they’re going to be stronger and better than us, but we’re still putting a lot of work in, and I think we deserve to be paid the same.”

Sabalenka’s call for fair pay turns some heads. It was nearly 50 years ago Billie Jean King won equal pay at the 1973 US Open and changed the course of history for women. While she still fights for equity, the WTA stars shouldn’t throw in the towel either. What are your thoughts on the pay disparity? Do let us know in the comments.