While some were surprised by the comments, others said they were disappointing but expected from Rafael Nadal. (Source: REUTERS)
Rafael Nadal has been heavily criticized for his comments on the issue of equal pay, a recurring topic in the world of tennis. In an interview with an Italian magazine, the world number one said that male players earn more than their female counterparts because they attract more people.
“It’s a comparison that shouldn’t even be made. Female models earn more than male models and no one says anything. Why? Because they have a larger audience. In tennis too, the one who has a larger audience earns more,” he said in the interview. In 2016, Novak Djokovic made similar comments before apologizing and saying that his statement was not well taken into account.
Nadal’s comments drew criticism on Twitter. While some expressed surprise at his remarks, others, like New York Times reporter Ben Rothenberg, said they were disappointing but expected from Nadal.
Disappointing, but not surprising from Nadal. https://t.co/hzJu3wIRZ3
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) June 9, 2018
Once again, I take this opportunity to say that women should NOT win the same prizes in tennis. Nadal, more than anyone, knows this.
Prize equality at top-level events is symbolic and progressive, but for other events on the circuit, it is market demand that determines prizes. https://t.co/z10bVICAuU
— Nicole Gibbs (@Gibbsyyyy) June 9, 2018
That’s disappointing coming from you. @Rafael NadalHow many male players attract no fans and still earn more? https://t.co/hQ2YoOAymF
— Corbin (@Dr_CorbinCWong) June 9, 2018
Reading this quote from Nadal about equal prices and models… I have to shake my brain so it doesn’t freeze. Is this true? Rafa has been asked about this before and it never led to this kind of thinking…
— Carole Bouchard (@carole_bouchard) June 9, 2018
Lol Nadal. I just want to remind you that this is how most ATP players think. Just because they haven’t said it publicly doesn’t mean they don’t think like that 🤷♀️ https://t.co/N30H4RQfK9
– Ellinor Svendsen (@elliinthehouse) June 9, 2018
Nadal will face Dominic Thiem in the French Open final on Sunday. This is the 11th time he has reached the French Open final and he is also aiming for a historic 11th title.
