Rafael Nadal: World no 1 sparks row with shock equal pay admission
RAFAEL NADAL says male tennis players should earn more money than female players because more people watch them play.
The issue of equal prize money has been a regular topic of debate within the tennis community in recent years.
Although in the Grand Slam events there has been equal pay since 2007, there is a vast disparity in the prize money offered at women-only tournaments compared to men-only competitions.
And speaking in an interview with Italian magazine Io Donna, Nadal said it was not fair that women earned the same as men.
“It’s a comparison we shouldn’t even make,” he said.
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In tennis too, who gathers a larger audience earns more
“Female models earn more than male models and nobody says anything. Why? Because they have a larger following.
“In tennis too, who gathers a larger audience earns more.”
Nadal’s comments sparked a variety of opinions on the subject.
New York Times writer Ben Rothenberg called them “Disappointing, but not surprising from Nadal.”
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But one fan responded saying: “I whole-heartedly agree with Nadal.
“If ability and popularity don’t matter, then doubles and wheelchair champions should earn the same prize money as men’s and women’s singles.”
While another added: “I don’t like Nadal but how is that wrong? If women really want equality, they should be treated like the men.
“Do they fill stadiums as much as them, do they bring as many tv-viewers? No. Should they earn as much ? No. Simple.”