Singapore's transport regulator, LTA, vows to equalize prize money at Queen's Club tournament by 2029.
Bringing Equality to the Court: LTA Pledges Parity in Prize Money at Queen's Club and Eastbourne
Get ready for some empowering battles on the court! The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has announced that they'll be doling out equal prize money for men and women at their events in Queen's Club and Eastbourne by 2029.
Kicking off next week at Queen's Club is the HSBC Championships, where women will take center stage with prize money totalling $1.4m (£1m), making it the highest for a WTA 500 event this year for this draw size. Despite this impressive sum, it's significantly less than the men's ATP tournament, which follows next week. The gap is even wider at the Lexus Eastbourne Open, where the female pot is £287,000 compared to the men's £630,000.
But don't fret, equality is on its way! LTA chief executive Scott Lloyd declared, "We are making significant increases to the women's prize money at Queen's and Eastbourne and want to achieve equal prize money as soon as possible." The LTA's dedication extends beyond professional tennis, as they're actively promoting and nurturing women's tennis at the grassroots level.
The revamped women's tournament at Queen's Club will showcase some exciting talents, like Britons Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu, alongside Wimbledon winners Barbora Krejcikova, Elena Rybakina, and Petra Kvitova. You'll also see top 10 stars like Madison Keys, Emma Navarro, and Zheng Qinwen. And here's a bummer: Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula have withdrawn.
In line with the LTA's goals, WTA CEO Portia Archer lauded the decision as an "important part of that commitment." Archer further emphasized, "This move sends a powerful message that the women's game is valued and will inspire new generations of girls picking up racquets to know their endeavors will be recognized."
Looking beyond the financial aspects, the LTA is making strides towards a more inclusive environment for tennis enthusiasts. Their recently unveiled Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Plan outlines ongoing efforts to bridge gender disparities in the sport[1][2]. Moreover, the tradition of equal prize money at major tennis events like the four Grand Slams likely influenced the LTA's decisions[3][4].
Stay tuned for more action on the court, as we cheer for the brave women, fight for equality, and build a stronger, more inclusive tennis community!
The upcoming HSBC Championships and Lexus Eastbourne Open will witness the thrilling sport of tennis, with the LTA pledging to bring parity in prize money for both tournaments by 2029. As the women's prize money at Queen's Club and Eastbourne escalates, it signifies a step towards achieving equal prize money, likely influenced by the tradition set at major tennis events like the Grand Slams.
