In this article, we will explore Djokovic’s stance on equal pay in tennis and how his views have evolved over time.
First controversy
Djokovic’s initial comments regarding equal pay in tennis sparked backlash from many in the tennis community. Djokovic has spoken out on the issue, saying men should fight for “more” money in tennis because statistics show men’s matches attract more spectators. (Looking at online betting on tennis marketsthere is more interest in men’s matches, but women are not that far behind.)
Djokovic’s comments were criticized by many, who saw them as a disregard for the achievements of female players and an attempt to undermine progress made towards equal pay in tennis.
Change of heart
Despite his initial comments, Djokovic has since become a vocal advocate for equal pay in tennis. In a statement released in 2016, he apologized for any offense caused by his earlier comments and said he had “tremendous respect for all” of his female colleagues.
Since then, he has made numerous public statements in support of equal pay in tennis and in favor of a better distribution of salaries for lower-ranked players. In 2019, he even suggested that men should consider reducing their pay to ensure women receive equal pay.
Co-founder of the Association of Professional Tennis Players
In 2020, Djokovic took another step towards resolving the issue of salary distribution in tennis by co-founding the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA). The organization aims to give players a greater voice in the decision-making process and ensure they are fairly compensated for their efforts. Djokovic said the PTPA is not intended to be a rival to existing tennis organizations but rather a way for players to work collaboratively for a more equitable future for the sport.
Equal pay and the bigger picture
For Djokovic, the issue of equal pay in tennis is not only about fairness within the sport, but also about promoting gender equality more broadly. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, he said that “price equality is just one pillar of equality” and that he wants to use his platform to promote positive change in society. Djokovic has also been a strong advocate for women’s rights and has spoken out against violence against women and girls and gender discrimination.
Although Djokovic has made controversial comments in the past, he has since taken steps to address the issue and become a leader in the fight for equal pay and better salary distribution in tennis. His co-founding of the PTPA shows he is committed to creating a more equitable future for the sport, and his broader advocacy for gender equality shows he is not limited to tennis. Djokovic’s evolution on this issue reminds us that
people can change their minds and take meaningful steps toward progress, even in the face of controversy and criticism. After all, we live and we learn.
