Oszałamiające zarobki Igi Świątek wywołują debatę na temat luki płacowej w tenisie

In the world of professional tennis, players’ earnings are often the subject of scrutiny and debate. Recently, the spotlight has fallen on Iga Swiatek, the Polish tennis sensation and former World No. 1, whose impressive on-court performances have translated into significant financial gains. While her earnings reflect her remarkable talent and hard work, they have also reignited conversations around the broader issue of the pay gap in tennis.

Swiatek’s Earnings: A Marker of Success

In 2024, Swiatek was among the top earners in tennis, amassing millions from prize money, sponsorships, and endorsements. Her on-court victories, including multiple Grand Slam titles, have earned her lucrative deals with major brands such as Tecnifibre, Asics, and Rolex. These partnerships, combined with her tournament winnings, place her among the highest-paid athletes in the sport.

However, Swiatek’s earnings, while substantial, highlight the disparity between male and female tennis players in terms of prize money and sponsorship opportunities. Despite tennis being one of the few sports where men and women compete on relatively equal terms, gaps persist at lower-tier tournaments and in non-major sponsorships.

The Pay Gap in Tennis

While Grand Slam tournaments offer equal prize money to male and female champions, discrepancies exist in other areas:

Lower-Tier Tournaments: Many smaller tournaments provide higher prize money to male players, citing differences in ticket sales, viewership, and sponsorship deals as justification.

Sponsorships and Endorsements: Male players often secure more lucrative endorsement deals, as companies perceive a higher return on investment due to greater visibility in the men’s game.

Media Coverage: Male matches still dominate prime-time slots and media attention, influencing public interest and sponsorship valuations.