Tennis Prize Money Discussions Continue

Written by: Staff on 19th July 2012

Tennis Prize Money Discussions Continue

epa03311505 Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia in action during his second round match against Martin Fischer of Austria at the Suisse Open tennis tournament in Gstaad, Switzerland, 19 July 2012. EPA/PETER SCHNEIDER |

The dissenting from within male ranks about sexual parity when it comes to prize money is growing. First it was Gilles Simon, a new member of the ATP World Tour Players Council, who took a swipe. Now world no.8 Janko Tipsarevic, intelligent, well read and opinionated has added his opinions to the debate.

Speaking during the Swiss Open in Gstaad, where he is top seed Tipsarevic told the Berner Zeitung that female tennis players should not be paid the same as men, and posed question over their quality of play.

Men’s tennis is currently in the top four in terms of quality and popularity, its at its peak, just like golf when Tiger Woods dominated said Tipsarevic, who this year has won in excess of $1million in prize money after his title win at last weeks Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart. In women’s tennis it’s very different.

“I do not underestimate the achievements of Victoria Azarenka and the others, but their best time is over. That was when the Williams sisters, Kim Clijsters, Justine Henin and Amelie Mauresmo were at the top.

“I wouldn’t say a good junior could beat Serena 6-1, 6-2, but it is ridiculous that women get equal prize money at the Grand Slams.”

Tipsarevic was equally forthright over the subject of the Olympic Games and little more than a weeks time he will be lining up in Serbian colors alongside world no.2 Novak Djokovic in London.

Many people ask me what I think about the Olympics and answering is really difficult, said Tipsarevic who was forced to retire in the second round of the Beijing competition four years ago after beating fourth ranked David Ferrer.

“Maybe for tennis players, the games are less important than for athletes from other sports who are preparing hard since four years for this event, because Olympics are the manifestation most important for their discipline.

“In tennis we are lucky to have four Slams a year, and these tournaments are the most important for us. So its difficult to give more value to an Olympic medal than a victory in a Grand Slam. Personally I feel much the Olympics because I like to give everything for my country, but I admit that a defeat in the quarterfinals or semifinals would be the same as any other defeat in a normal tournament.”

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: 10sballs.com, Amelie Mauresmo, Berner Zeitung, Gilles Simon, Janko Tipsarevic, Justine Henin, Kim Clijsters, Serena Williams, Sports, Tennis News