The decision to appoint Tommy Haas the new tournament director of the BNP Paribas Open has been well received by the tennis community, but how will he deal with his previous comments about equal prize money?
There is no question that the 38-year-old is a popular and well respected figure on the tour. An example of his popularity was demonstrated last year when Roger Federer tweeted a welcome back message to Haas, who staged his latest comeback to the tour after being sidelined by injury.
Now approaching the twilight of his career, the former world No.2 embarks on a new role as tournament director in Indian Wells. The job will by no means be a walk in the park considering the event is one of the biggest tennis tournaments held outside of the grand slam tournaments. Haas is certainly ready for the challenge, but he may find himself in some tricky situations following the equal prize money debate that erupted earlier this year at the tournament.
Predecessor Raymond Moore resigned from his position after making a series of controversial remarks about women’s tennis. The former director outraged many players when he said that women players should be on their knees ‘thanking god that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal was born’.
Those comments triggered a fierce debate about equal prize money. Novak Djokovic came under heavy criticism after suggesting that it is justifiable to pay men more based on statistics. The world No.1 clarified his comments a few days later. Djokovic isn’t the only male player to express these views, Haas himself have also previously questioned the justification for equal prize money.
“I don’t think it’s really fair,” Haas responded in 2007 when he was asked about Wimbledon implementing equal prize money.
“I think the depth of men’s tennis is much tougher than the women’s, plus we play best of five sets.”
“Not to say the women don’t deserve it. The top players train very hard and are very good players, but in general I don’t agree with it.”
Haas’ comments was much more blunt than Djokovic’s, however, he received far less criticism than the world No.1, a reflection of the change in the sports perception of equal pay within the past ten years. It is unclear if Haas’ opinion has changed on the topic as he is yet to directly comment on his previous quotes. Nevertheless, the women’s tour shouldn’t fear another Moore-controversy.
“We need the women just as always. It’s a combined event. I look forward to process of listening, being involved,” Haas recently told Nick McCarvel about working with the WTA.
Having an opinion isn’t one that Haas should be judged for, however, it will be interesting to see how a man who once disapproved about equal prize money tackles the subject in California. Things are going to be far from straightforward for the highly respected German player.
