Equal Prize Money in Tennis: US Open Leads the Way for Men and Women

In the world of sports, attaining equality often demands bold moves, focused leaders, and an unparalleled commitment to fairness. Tennis made one such legendary leap in 1973 when the US Open became the first Grand Slam tournament to offer equal prize money to men and women. This innovative decision, driven by the unyielding efforts of trailblazer Billie Jean King, marked a turning point in the fight for gender equality in sports.

The US Open’s Landmark Decision

In the early 1970s, inequalities in prize money between male and female tennis players were striking. At the 1972 US Open, men’s singles champion Ilie Năstase earned $25,000, while women’s champion Billie Jean King received just $10,000. The following year, thanks to King’s support and sponsorship from Ban Deodorant, the US Open leveled the playing field, granting $25,000 to both champions. This 150% increase in women’s prize money was an innovative step, specifically during the height of the women’s movement. It sent a powerful message that women’s donations to tennis were as valuable as men’s.

Pondering upon the decision years later, King said, “It was the height of the women’s movement. I think there was social pressure to start doing things differently. I really am elated, as a U.S. citizen, that we were the first.” Nevertheless, while the US Open set the standard, other Grand Slam tournaments were slower to follow.

Progress Across the Grand Slams

The Australian Open became the second Grand Slam to offer equal prize money in 1984, more than a decade after the US Open. Nevertheless, progress was not steady. In 1996, the Australian Open reverted to unequal pay, quoting higher ratings for men’s matches. It wasn’t until 2001 that it restored equal prize money, with both men’s and women’s champions receiving $440,000.

“This is great for women’s tennis,” world No. 1 Martina Hingis said at the time. “We have all been working toward equal prize money for a while, and it is great that at the turn of the century, progress has been made.”

The last stretch for equality at Wimbledon and the French Open came from another tennis icon: Venus Williams. In 2005, just before competing in the Wimbledon final, Williams advocated for equal pay at a Grand Slam Committee meeting. Her efforts paid off. In 2006, the French Open awarded equal prize money to its singles champions and amplified the equality to all rounds the following year.

French Tennis Federation president Christian Bîmes credited Williams’ enthusiastic advocacy, saying, “It is the right recognition of the place and quality of women’s tennis, as Venus Williams remarkably underlined in a speech to which I was particularly sensitive.”

That same year, Wimbledon concluded the journey toward equality. The All England Club announced equal pay for men and women at all stages of the tournament, with Chair Tim Phillips stating, “The time is right to bring this subject to a logical conclusion and eliminate the difference. We believe our decision to offer equal prize money provides a boost for the game as a whole and recognizes the enormous contribution that women players make.”

A Four-Decade Journey to Equality

By 2007, all four Grand Slam tournaments offered equal prize money, marking the end of a four-decade struggle. This achievement not only honored the contributions of players like King, Williams, and Hingis but also reflected wider societal progress toward gender equality.

The journey, on the other hand, was not just about the numbers. It was a statement of respect and acknowledgement for the skill, resilience, and entertainment value women bring to the sport. As French champion Amélie Mauresmo said, “I have always believed that sport should reflect our society. By adopting full equality in prize money, the French Open has even taken a step ahead of it.”

Celebrating 50 Years of Equality

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the US Open’s revolutionary decision, a moment that continues to inspire. The US Open’s leadership in gender equity laid the foundation for a more inclusive sport. Today, tennis stands as a light of justice in the sporting world, showing what’s possible when pioneers like Billie Jean King and Venus Williams refuse to accept the status quo.

The fight for equality in tennis has been a long climb, but its success serves as a reminder: progress is worth the effort, and change is always possible. As the sport celebrates this achievement, it also reaffirms its commitment to leveling the playing field for all.

Cover Credits - USOpen.org