For more than a half-century, the pay disparity between men and women tennis players has been a source of contention in the sports world. Both sides have valid points. On the other hand, the other half says that the disproportionate remuneration stems not from female discrimination but from the fact that the men’s tournaments often play longer sets and achieve more traction and viewership than their counterparts. It primarily capitalizes on the notion that the more money their matches generate, the more money the male players should make.
Conversely, it argues that women invest equivalent dedication and training hours to hone their skills on the court, engaging in demanding competitions, and at times, playing an equal number of sets (3 sets) as men. However, their prize money remains less, highlighting the injustice of paying based on genetics. Despite narrowing the gap over time, this dispute endures. Various athletes have voiced their opinions, with a leaning towards advocating equal compensation for women.
Daniela Hantuchova’s POV
Slovak ex-tennis player Daniela Hantuchova, however, has a fresh take on the issue.
In an interview with the Livesport Daily podcast, Hantuchova shared her thoughts on the issue, saying she disagrees with all of the players who have shown support for eliminating the pay disparity between men and women.
“It feels a bit like spoiling. Especially on the women’s circuit, where the prize money is what it is, & the girls certainly don’t work from 4 in the morning in a mine somewhere. It’s difficult, but we never allowed ourselves to criticize because we knew the checks we were getting were thanks to the tournament,” Hantuchova said.
“Regarding travel & the destinations in which WTA tournaments are played, on the contrary, I agree with the players. From this point of view, tennis is the most demanding sport that exists. For me personally, it was one of the reasons I quit. The body could no longer handle the time differences. I kept waking up out of the normal rhythm. It was unhealthy. I told myself that it wasn’t even worth the money. I’d rather be well at age 60. It was over the edge,” she added.
Fans’ reactions to her comments
Daniela Hantuchova disagrees with WTA players who are unhappy with prize money:
"It feels a bit like spoiling. Especially on the women's circuit, where the prize money is what it is, & the girls certainly don't work from 4 in the morning in a mine somewhere. It's difficult, but… pic.twitter.com/BLLTwyDMod
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 27, 2023
Tennis fans were not pleased when the former world number five accused those who are fighting for equal pay of being “spoiled”.
One X user asked, “Did they ask her if that’s what male tennis players do? Work from 4 am in a mine somewhere?” While another user slammed Hantuchova’s bad take, saying, “Forget that ATP players on the contrary start working at 4am in the morning. In a mine. What a bad take by Dani. Women demanding more money = spoiled. Men demanding more money = god given right.”
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