Former world No.1 Martin Navratilova has hit out at the International Tennis Federation over their management of the Fed Cup.
The multiple grand slam champion has accused the governing body of prioritising men’s tennis over their female counterparts. Taking a swipe at their decision to go ahead with changes to the Davis Cup first. Later this year the 119-year-old competition will host a week-long final on a neutral ground in Madrid for the first time in history. A move that has split opinion within the sport. It has been given the green light following a $3 billion financially backing by Kosmos over the next 25 years.
“Clearly we don’t have it (gender equality) at the moment because the ITF changed the format of the Davis Cup and never gave the women a second thought.” Navratilova told a group of reporters in Melbourne earlier this week.
“We are an afterthought. I’m not happy about that.”
In August the ITF announced a $3.7 million increase in prize money for the Fed Cup this year. Elevating the overall prize money to $7.5 million for the 16 teams participating in the World Group and World Group II. There has also been a timetable launched concerning a revamp of the competition with the possibility of a 16-team final being held in one city. Similar to that of the new Davis Cup.
Despite the pledge, Navratilova believes there are still issues concerning equality. In the current ITF Board of Directors, only three out of the 14 members are women. One of which includes vice-president Katrina Adams. Meanwhile, only three out of the 10 members of the WTA Board of directors are female.
“Men are on the boards of the big corporations, the boards. They have money at their disposal and they are much more likely to throw it at male athletes, than female athletes.” Navratilova claims.
“So we have a lot of inequality to overcome overall.”
It is tough to compare the fairness of endorsement payouts between the two genders in tennis. The men’s tour has the luxury of the ‘Big Four.’ A group of individuals that have dominated the sport for more than a decade. Meanwhile, women’s tennis has had the dominance of Serena Williams, but is more unpredictable. Highlighted by the fact the last eight grand slam titles have been won by different players.
One example of Navratilova’s point is a report conducted by Forbes magazine last summer. In it, they list the 10 highest paid tennis players between June 2017 – June 2018. Looking solely at endorsements, Williams was the only woman to break the $10 million mark. In comparison, five men surpassed the benchmark.
Players endorsements (June 2016-2017)
Roger Federer – $65M
Kei Nishikori – $33M
Rafael Nadal – $27M
Novak Djokovic – $22M
Serena Williams – $18M
Andy Murray – $10.5M
Caroline Wozniacki – $6M
Grigor Dimitrov – $6M
Sloane Stephens – $5.5M
Garbine Muguruza – $5.5M
Despite the disparities, Navratilova points out that that there have been significant improvements since she was playing on the tour. Pointing out the huge prize money pool at this year’s WTA Finals, which will be a record $14 million.
“Women’s tennis is growing right now. For example, at the season ending tournament, the women are getting a lot more money than the guys. In some ways we are doing better, but there is still inequality.” She said.
“It’s the same on the commercial level. We’re inching up there, but there is a long way to go.”
Equal prize money has been in force at every grand slam since the 2007 Wimbledon Championships.
