Tennis has been a globally celebrated sport for centuries, but its role in the pursuit of gender
equality remains a subject of ongoing discussion. Prominent figures such as Billie Jean King,
Serena Williams, and Novak Djokovic have played significant roles in highlighting disparities
and advocating for change. Over the years, there have been considerable developments in
areas such as prize money, sponsorship, and representation. However, the question still
persists: has true equality been achieved, or is there still progress to be made? Deeply
rooted societal preferences often favour the men’s game, raising important questions about
how we can shift perceptions and promote a more balanced appreciation of women’s tennis
for future generations.
One significant advancement in recent decades has been the achievement of gender pay
equality at the four major Grand Slam tournaments: the US Open, Wimbledon, the French
Open, and the Australian Open. By 2007, all four tournaments offered equal prize money, a
milestone that reflects a recognition that female athletes competing at the highest level
deserve equal financial reward. However, true equality in tennis has not yet been fully
achieved. While the Grand Slams have set a precedent, a substantial pay gap remains at
lower-tier tournaments, where male players still earn significantly more than their female
counterparts. To achieve genuine gender equality in tennis, this imbalance must be
addressed. Women continue to face deep-rooted disadvantages not only in terms of pay, but
also in societal attitudes. Providing equal support and opportunities at all levels of the game
is essential for ensuring fair development.
A clear divide in tennis is that men play best-of-five sets, while women play best-of-three.
Some argue that this is unfair, as it appears to undermine women’s abilities, despite many
female players clearly being fit enough to compete over five sets. Others counter that if
women wanted this change, they would have advocated for it. While this forms the core of
the debate, it’s not just about player preferences it also involves the audience. Expanding
women’s matches to five sets could make games more engaging, allowing for greater
comebacks and more opportunities for exceptional play. Longer matches might also give
spectators a greater sense of value, as extended gameplay often feels more rewarding.
However, a common argument against this change is based on tradition. Women have
historically played best-of-three sets, and tennis dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries is
a sport rich in heritage. The existing format has long been effective and well-received by
both players and fans. From this perspective, if there is no strong demand for change, it may
not be necessary to alter a system that continues to function successfully.
You don’t need to look only at the top female tennis players to question whether gender
equality has been achieved in tennis; you can also consider the average person who plays
the sport recreationally. Today, more women and girls are playing tennis than ever before,
marking a significant step forward in making the sport accessible to all. The representation of
female tennis players on screen is also vital and clearly plays a role in inspiring future
generations to take up the game. Public perceptions are gradually shifting, and more people
are becoming open to supporting the women’s game on an equal footing with the men’s.
While there are still changes that need to be made, collective support can help move the
sport closer to true gender equality.