Aryna Sabalenka talked about the prize money disparity at the 2024 Cincinnati Open after her win at the event.
The 2024 Cincinnati Open didn't disappoint, as fans in Ohio enjoyed one week of spectacular tennis. On the women's side, Sabalenka proved to be the best player, beating Jessica Pegula in the final of the WTA 1000 event.
On the men's side, it was Jannik Sinner who was the best player at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament, beating Frances Tiafoe in the final of the competition.
Both players were obviously excited by their victory. In Sinner's case, that was overshadowed only a few hours later, when it became public that he tested positive twice for a banned substance back in March.
On the other hand, the Belarusian player could fully enjoy the celebrations of her victory, which was made even sweeter by the fact that she managed to beat her main rival and reigning World No. 1, Iga Swiatek.
After her win, it was that win over the Polish player that the current World No. 2 cherished the most, even though winning the tournament was obviously the greatest achievement.
"Beating Iga in two sets was crazy and something I’m really happy about. I think it’s something we are working really hard on, to make sure we face each other in the last stages of every tournament – that we keep going with this rivalry between the two of us."
When talking about her rivals, the Cincinnati Open champion mentioned also the likes of Elena Rybakina, Barbora Krejcikova, Coco Gauff, and Paula Badosa, who all proved their qualities in 2024.
"We cannot forget about [Elena] Rybakina, about [Barbora] Krejcikova, about Coco [Gauff]. And also Paula [Badosa] is coming back from injury and doing really well."
"But I would definitely like to see us competing in the last stages of a tournament as often as possible. I think that’s something cool for women’s tennis, to have several big names always reaching the last stages of the tournament; to see this consistency."
The 26-year-old was then also asked about the often-discussed prize money disparity. After her win in Cincinnati, it once again came to spotlight, as Sinner won half-a-million more than Sabalenka.
While the Italian player got $1,049,460 for his victory, Sabalenka was awarded 'only' with $523,485 for her triumph. According to the Belarusian, 'it's unfair' that she was paid so much less.
"From the TV point of view, from the ticket selling, from every point of view, it’s unfair. Of course, guys are always going to be physically stronger than women but it doesn’t mean we’re not working as hard as they do. Women deserve to be paid an equal amount of money that men do."
At the upcoming US Open, which she will enter as the second seed, Sabalenka won't have similar issues, as the prize money for both men and women will be equal, like it is at all Grand Slam tournaments in the calendar.