WTA confirms 'major milestone' with equal prize money at combined events
bbc.com • • sports
Key Points:
- The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) announced that from next year, men and women will receive equal prize money at all combined WTA 1,000 events, the highest level of competition outside the Grand Slams.
- Events such as the Italian Open, Canadian Open, and Cincinnati Open will now align with this commitment, joining tournaments like Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Beijing, and all four Grand Slams.
- The WTA also introduced calendar changes to reduce player commitments, lowering the required WTA 500-level tournaments for top 50 players from six to four and allowing substitution of one WTA 1,000 tournament result with a stronger WTA 500 or 250 result.
- WTA chair Valerie Camillo emphasized that these changes promote competitive and financial equality, while players like Jessica Pegula praised the adjustments for offering greater flexibility in scheduling and personal goals.
