‘It’s a long-term goal’ – WTA chief not expecting financial equality to be immediate result of WTA/ATP merger

WTA Chief Steve Simon has thrown his backing behind the idea of a merger with the ATP, but admits women’s tennis may still have to wait for financial inequality even if it happens.
Rumours, started by Roger Federer, have persisted that talks may taking place to merge tennis’ two governing bodies, raising hopes that the financial gap between men and women may close as a result.
However, while WTA supremo Simon sees the benefits of a merger, he does not believe financial parity will be part of any initial agreement.
“You certainly can’t go in with those expectations that (financial equality) is immediately there,” Simon told the Telegraph. “I think it’s a long-term goal.
“But I think that, by coming together, we are presenting the sport in a way that our fans and our partners and the marketplace will embrace.
“Also, if we were able to get to that stage (of a single merged body), you’d still have a men’s calendar, you’d still have a women’s calendar, you’d still have combined events.
“Not every facility can accommodate a combined field. But over time, if you’re one organisation, you have a lot better chance to resolve.”
“[A merger] would keep us from competing against each other, everybody loses with that.
“A merger is a long and winding road. But you would like to think that everybody should be treated equal.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
ATP Tour
David Goffin ends long wait for an ATP title with a win in Montpellier
David Goffin captured his first ATP Tour title for more than three years by winning the Open Sud de France in Montpellier.
-
Tennis News
Roger Federer sends his fans into a frenzy with Twitter post ahead of his return to action
Roger Federer fans are counting down to his return to action in Doha next week and his tweet teasing his return instantly became a big hit.
-
Tennis News
Iga Swiatek’s perfect week as she claims her second WTA title
Iga Swiatek won her second career WTA title with victory over Belinda Bencic in the final of the Adelaide International.
-
News
Jamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis News
Battle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis Features
The only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin Palmer
Britain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis News
Lleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis Features
Five of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.