Daniela Hantuchova says those on the women’s Tour who complain about conditions such as prize money come across as ‘spoiled’ in her eyes.
The former world No.5 has hit out at players speaking about such matters on the Livesport Daily podcast. Equal prize money is available at every Grand Slam tournament but there are still some stark differences at other events. For example, at this year’s Italian Open, the men’s champion (Daniil Medvedev) won €1,105,265 compared to €521,754 for the women’s winner (Elena Rybakina). At the Citi Open in Washington, Dan Evans won $353,455 for claiming the title compared to $120,150 which was won by Coco Gauff.
The reason for such differences at certain events is due to the men’s and women’s Tour’s being run by separate bodies with their own financial commitments, as well as structures. Furthermore, there are differences in points allocations between both Tour’s at combined events.
Whilst it is understandable to see why some players on the women’s tour may not be happy about getting paid less than their male counterparts at the same event, Hantuchova is unimpressed by such complaints.
“I find it a little bit like being spoiled,” she said. “Especially on the women’s circuit, where the prize money is what it is, and the girls are definitely not working from four in the morning in the mine. It’s tough, but we never allowed ourselves to criticise because we knew the cheques we were getting were because of the tournament.”
Hantuchova won seven titles during her career with two of those being at the Premier mandatory event in Indian Wells (2002 and 2007). Her best Grand Slam run was to the semi-finals of the 2008 Australian Open. She was also an accomplished doubles player, winning four major titles in the mixed doubles and reaching the world’s top five in the rankings.
The 40-year-old is more sympathetic towards those on the Tour when it comes to travelling. Tennis has one of the most packed schedules in the world of sport with events starting in January and ending in November. Then during the offseason, many chose to take part in exhibition events, as well as conduct their annual training sessions for the new season.
“In terms of travel and the destinations in which WTA tournaments are played, I agree with the players on the contrary,” she said.
“From that point of view, tennis is the most demanding sport there is. For me personally, that was one of the reasons why I quit. My body couldn’t handle the time differences anymore, I kept waking up out of my normal rhythm, it was unhealthy. I told myself it wasn’t even worth the money, I’d rather be cool at 60. It was over the edge.”
As for the current season, Hantuchova has tipped Coco Gauff to win the WTA Finals which will get underway on Sunday in Cancun, Mexico. Gauff is competing in both the singles and doubles draws this year alongside Jessica Pegula. She will be bidding to become the first player from her country to win the season-ending title since Serena Williams in 2014.
“It’s supercharged, but if I pick one favourite, it’s Coco Gauff. She won the last Grand Slam, she likes hard surfaces, she’s a great fighter and she has a lot in common with Serena (Williams). She loves the big stage when all eyes are on her, so that’s why I’m favouring her.” She concluded.
Hantuchova, who retired from tennis in 2017, now works as a tennis analyst for media outlets such as Amazon Prime.
