Novak Djokovic says male tennis players deserve more money than females
By Jason Parker
Novak Djokovic, the top-ranked male tennis player, believes the stats show why they deserve more money than female tennis players.
In recent days, the subject of gender equality in professional tennis has come to the spotlight following comments from the CEO of Indian Wells, who said female tennis players ride on the coattails of their male counterparts.
The top-ranked male tennis player in the world, Novak Djokovic, responded to those comments shortly after winning this weekend’s tournament…and while he applauded female tennis players for fighting for equality in the sports (especially when it comes to out money is handed out for winning tournaments), Djokovic believes the stats show men should indeed get paid more for their championships:
"“…I think that our men’s tennis world, ATP world, should fight for more because the stats are showing that we have much more spectators on the men’s tennis matches. I think that’s one of the reasons why maybe we should get awarded more. Women should fight for what they think they deserve and we should fight for what we think we deserve.“As long as it’s like that and there is data and stats available upon who attracts more attention, spectators, who sells more tickets and stuff like that, in relation to that it has to be fairly distributed.”"
Djokovic reiterated his respect for the women’s game, saying those athletes have to deal with things such as “hormones” and other obstacles that men don’t have to worry about. Djokovic’s comments were met with disagreement from the top player on the women’s side, Serena Williams:
"“If I could tell you every day how many people say they don’t watch tennis unless they’re watching myself or my sister, I couldn’t even bring up that number,” Williams said. “So I don’t think that is a very accurate statement.“Last year the women’s final at the U.S. Open sold out well before the men. I’m sorry, did Roger play in that final or Rafa or any man play in a final that was sold out before the men’s final? I think not.”"
Many of the top players in both men’s and women’s tennis now turn their attention to South Florida, where they will take part in the Miami Open starting this week.
For the latest tennis news, check out our tennis hub page.