In a recent press conference, world no. 1 Iga Swiatek discussed the issue of unequal prize money in tennis and defended the consistency of women's game.
When asked about the significant disparity in prize money between her win in Stuttgart and Carlos Alcaraz's win in Barcelona, Iga Swiatek spoke about how she would like the two tours to award the same prize money, but she also talked about how the women's game is perceived.
The Polish player explained that, in recent years, the consistency in women's tennis has improved tremendously, to the point where it now surpasses that of the men's game.
The data of high-ranked players reaching late rounds can always be compared, and the most recent Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart certainly helps Swiatek's argument as the two top seeded players met in the final with three of the four top seeds making it into the semifinals.
"I also get people who are saying that men's tennis is nicer to watch and guys can do more because they are physically and biologically stronger, but I think, you know, there were a lot of people, for example a couple of years ago, who were saying that WTA that it's not consistent and that's a shame and it should be better, but right now basically I think, you know, we are even more consistent than the guys, you know, with our game."
Swiatek also emphasized the importance of recognizing the emotional intensity that women's tennis brings to the sport. She pointed out that watching women's matches can elicit strong emotions, often more so than their male counterparts, due to the intrinsic emotional nature of women.
"Watching women's tennis gives the same emotions, and sometimes even like more emotions, because we are women and we are a little bit more emotional (smiling). But, yeah, I think it would be nice if WTA could make it even."
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