Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka, currently world number 1, has caused a stir in the sports world after filing a formal complaint with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). The Belarusian player expressed her outrage after publicly revealing the pay gap between herself, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff, figures that have sparked controversy and a heated debate about fairness in sport.
According to published data, Aryna Sabalenka earned a total annual income of $18.7 million , while Iga Swiatek, who is ranked closer to her, earned $23.8 million over the same period. What surprised many most was the reported salary of Coco Gauff, one of the youngest prospects in women’s tennis, which reached an impressive $34.4 million in one year.
This vast disparity has led Sabalenka to question the fairness of the WTA’s compensation system. In a forceful statement, the world No. 1 expressed her frustration:
“Why, as the top-ranked player, do I earn less than other players? It’s hard to understand why my position isn’t reflected in fair compensation.”
Her complaint not only calls into question current salary policies but also sparks a broader debate about how achievements are valued and rewarded in women’s tennis. The situation has generated support among several colleagues, as well as criticism that points to various factors such as sponsorships, popularity, and commercial agreements that also influence income.
Meanwhile, the WTA has simply stated that it will review the case to ensure transparency and fairness, without offering specific comments at this time.
For Aryna Sabalenka, this moment is key to demanding not only sporting recognition, but also compensation that reflects her effort, talent, and leadership position in world tennis. Fans and experts will be closely watching how this controversy develops and what measures will be taken to ensure fair compensation for all athletes.
