Gender Equality in Tennis Progresses, Challenges Remain 10 Years After Indian Wells Scandal

Players, officials, and allies continue to push for equal pay, exposure, and respect in the sport.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:51pm

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Ten years after the controversial comments by Raymond Moore sparked widespread criticism at the Indian Wells tournament, the tennis world is reflecting on the progress made towards gender equality, as well as the challenges that still lie ahead. While Grand Slams now offer equal prize money, disparities persist at other tournaments, and issues around scheduling, media exposure, and perceptions continue to be addressed.

Why it matters

The fight for gender equality in tennis is about more than just the numbers - it's about recognizing the value and competitiveness of the women's game and ensuring equal respect and opportunities for all players. As a leading women's sport, tennis serves as an important model for progress in the broader landscape of women's athletics.

The details

One of the most visible areas of progress has been in prize money, with the WTA pledging equal prize money for combined 1000- and 500-level events by 2027, and by 2033 for non-combined events. However, disparities still exist, as seen in the 2025 Italian Open awarding $9.2 million to men and $6.9 million to women. Scheduling and media exposure remain contentious issues, with calls for a uniform best-of-five-set format across both tours and more equitable scheduling of women's matches. Subtle biases in commentary and public perception also continue to present challenges, highlighting the need for greater understanding and sensitivity.

  • The 2025 Italian Open awarded $9.2 million to men and $6.9 million to women.
  • The 2026 Cincinnati Open is increasing the women's prize money by 44 percent, to $7.4 million.

The players

Raymond Moore

Made controversial comments that sparked widespread criticism at the Indian Wells tournament 10 years ago.

Paula Badosa

Pointed out that the fight for equal prize money is about respect and recognizing the value of the women's game.

Billie Jean King

Advocates for a uniform best-of-five-set format across both the men's and women's tours, arguing that differing formats impact television exposure and court time.

Ons Jabeur

Argued that a lack of exposure for women's matches perpetuates the problem of perceived hierarchy in the sport.

Martina Navratilova

Notes a double standard in how male and female players are evaluated, with similar qualities praised in men but criticized in women.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The WTA's new council, led by Jessica Pegula, aims to address player concerns about the tennis calendar and other issues. The potential for a merger between the ATP and WTA Tours remains a topic of discussion, though significant hurdles remain.

The takeaway

While progress has been made, the fight for gender equality in tennis is ongoing. Continued efforts to address pay disparities, scheduling, media exposure, and perceptions are crucial to ensuring that women's tennis remains a leader in the broader landscape of women's sports.