Tennis player Denis Shapovalov has called for the elimination of the gender pay gap in an essay published on The Players’ Tribune on the eve of International Women’s Day. The former Wimbledon semifinalist made an impassioned plea for true equality in tennis, stating that if tennis is to be truly fair, the gender pay gap should not exist at all.
For Shapovalov, the issue of gender pay equality in tennis is a personal one, as he was taught the game by his mother, Tessa, who was a former member of the Soviet National Tennis Team.
In his essay, Shapovalov recalls how his mother would think eight years ahead while other coaches were only prepping their kids for the game on Saturday. This experience has led him to be a passionate advocate for gender equality in tennis and beyond.
Shapovalov’s call to action is a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equality in sports and beyond. His essay serves as an inspiration to tennis players and fans alike to continue pushing for progress toward a world where gender pay gaps are a thing of the past.
With more and more athletes using their platforms to speak out on issues of social justice and equality, there is hope for a better future where everyone, regardless of gender, is given the respect and compensation they deserve.
