Williams and Sharapova State Their Reasons for Equal Prize Money

Written by: Staff on 2nd July 2012

Williams and Sharapova State Their Reasons for Equal Prize Money

epa03292784 Maria Sharapova of Russia gives a press conference after losing to Sabine Lisicki of Germany in the fourth round of the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 02 July 2012. EPA/AELTC / Tom Lovelock |

Serena Williams has joined with Maria Sharapova as the two richest women in tennis aim fire at the suggestion that equal prize money for the sexes might not be am ideal situation. The hottest topic off court during the Wimbledon first week was sparked by ATP Player council member Gilles Simon of France , who suggested that market forces should determine prize money at the Grand Slams.

Williams, a 13-time Grand Slam winner, insisted that she had begun her tennis while still in nappies, adding that players who worked that hard all their lives deserved everything they could get no matter their sex.

“Actually I have a picture when I’m on the court and I’m in a stroller,” said the American. “I definitely know my whole life has been dedicated toward being a top athlete, and I shouldn’t get paid less because of my sex.

“I feel like we all deserve what we deserve, I deserve to get paid the same amount.

“I don’t deserve less because I have boobs and they don’t, that’s definitely not the case. I worked just as hard since I was three. I think they worked hard since they were three, four, two, whatever the case is.”

WTA No. 1 Sharapova, the Wimbledon top seed, had previously blasted No. 13 Simon, saying more people watched her matches than his. Williams followed suit. “Whenever I play, I get a lot of people in the stands. A lot of people do definitely show up. So that’s what it’s about. You got to be able to bring the crowd.

“More than anything I’m there to play tennis and do well. I’m not there to do anything else. I’m here for the tennis.”

Topics: 10sballs.com, Gilles Simon, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, Sports, Wimbledon 2012