NEW YORK | Leylah Fernandez is headlining an ad for one of their sponsors, the American bank Morgan Stanley, which has also been a WTA partner since this year. And we have a feeling that the subject of the ad was called limits (“Borders” or “Barriers” in this case) appeals specifically to the Quebecer.
Leylah, usually rather sweet and smiling, sharpened her tone this time as she addressed the disparities between men’s and women’s scholarships in tennis.
The sponsor’s advertising refers to the hurdles – mainly financial – that some athletes still have to overcome in order to be able to practice their beloved sport.
We first see Leylah hitting balls alone on the field before she is joined by several dozen young players (see below).
“Every day, every year, women have to break down barriers,” she replied Sunday in New York to a colleague who asked her about her involvement in advertising. We’ve fought for so long. I think we’re doing a great job, especially with the WTA, but there’s still a long way to go.
The 21-year-old, currently ranked No. 67 in the world, has $1.1 million in tournament earnings this season and around $5.5 million since the start of her career.
However, most of the income comes from the numerous sponsors.
Last year, trade site Sportico reported that it raised nearly $6 million between May 2021 and May 2022 solely thanks to its partnerships, including Subway, the Avocados of Mexico, and Gatorade Fernandez the 10the highest paid female athlete in the world.
Screenshot of a Subway ad
Worse in smaller tournaments
The issue of equal pay in tennis is nothing new and players have made strides in recent years, particularly in Grand Slam tournaments.
In 1973, after the WTA was formed, the US Open became the first major event to offer men and women the same check.
The 50the anniversary of these fair trade grants This year’s tournament website also clearly states that Billie Jean King, the legendary player who laid the foundation for the women’s championship, is featured on the competition’s promotional poster.
But it took time for everyone to follow suit. It was not until 2007 that Wimbledon offered equal prize money to its competitors regardless of gender, becoming the last major to do so.
However, the situation is even more glaring in the lower category events and even in the WTA 1000 tournaments – like that of Montreal – which are the most prestigious in the world after the Grand Slam tournaments.
Leylah Fernandez during her third-round loss in Montreal on August 10. Photo Getty Images via AFP
Sometimes in the minus
The New York Times reported that before the announcement last June that these events, as well as those of the 500 category, would offer the same scholarship for women and men from 2027WTA players made about $0.80 for every dollar ATP players made.
“However, I am on the race track with the same team as a man. But sometimes I leave a tournament in the red, which is really not easy for us players,” said Fernandez.
A guaranteed income for men
Of course, this reality also exists at the ATP.
Last week the men’s club announced the introduction of a guaranteed income for players who are in the top 250 in the worldto help them “plan their season more confidently, focus better on their game and invest in their team”.
The WTA has not yet announced its intention to follow suit.
“We’re making progress,” said Leylah. But we still have to find solutions.”