Feature Article

Roland Garros Approves Equal Prize Money for Women

Posted by Aaress Lawless on Mar 16, 2007 | Print | Email | Bookmark | Free Subscription

Following on the heels of the All England Lawn Tennis Association, Roland Garros has agreed to pay equal prize money across the board to the women at this year’s Grand Slam.

As expected, the decision has been heralded by the Tour’s players and leadership, especially as the French Open was the final hold-out for prize equality.

They started offering equal prize money for champions last season, but there still was a difference in the men and women’s purses for all of the other players.

The total prize money has also been increased to US$20.34 million dollars - a new record for the French Open.

Here is a small sample of the feedback the decision has already gotten:

Larry Scott, Sony Ericsson WTA Tour CEO
“The decision by Roland Garros today closes one chapter in the history of tennis and opens an exciting new one that will positively impact opportunities for women and girls in sport and society.”

Chris Evert, 7-Time Roland Garros Singles Champion
“Roland Garros has always held a special place in my heart, and today’s decision to award equal prize money to all women players is one that is worthy of a sporting event witnessed by millions of women and girls every year. I applaud Roland Garros for taking this decision, and for a making a reality a dream that women players have fought for since the founding of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour over 30 years ago.”

Steffi Graf, 6-time Roland Garros Singles Champion
“I applaud Roland Garros for their decision today to award equal prize money to the women. Over the years Roland Garros has moved towards equality and this final step, along with the fact that now all four Grand Slams treat the women as equals, sends a great message to the young girls out there who may be future champions of this great event.”

Justine Henin, 2003, 2005, 2006 Roland Garros Singles Champion
“There is no tournament that I feel closer to than Roland Garros, which makes today’s decision to treat the woman as equals very special to me personally. Equality is a principle as important as any, and the fact that all four Grand Slams are now equal sends an incredibly powerful signal. I commend Roland Garros and the French Tennis Federation for taking the final and critical decision that is worthy of their status as leaders in our sport.”

Mary Pierce, 2000 Roland Garros Singles Champion
“As a French player and former champion of Roland Garros, I am very excited and happy about this decision. The French Tennis Federation and the organizers of Roland Garros have moved steadily towards equality for women players over the years, including last year’s decision to award equal prize money to the winners. Their decision to award equal prize money overall sends the right message to France and the world.”

You can read more responses here at the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour website.