Elina Svitolina Demands Equal Prize Money Amid Pay Gap in Certain Events

Elina Svitolina has moved into the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells for the second time in her career. She was up against Katerina Siniakova, who knocked out defending champion Mirra Andreeva.

After losing the first set 6-1, Siniakova threw in the towel after the second game of the second set due to an injury. At the press conference later, Svitolina was asked the gender equality question that several top players have been asked since the start of the mixed event.

While Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka think women’s tennis is heading in the right direction and find not many issues, Svitolina said the tournaments still need to make changes in terms of the economic aspect of the sport. She pointed out that even though Grand Slam and several other events are offering equal prize money, there are still tournaments that need to close the gender pay gap.

I would like to see more equality in prize money in WTA tournaments because in Grand Slams, we are equal, but there is still a big difference in 250, 500, and 1000 tournaments. Some tournaments have achieved it already, so I would like to see more cases like that. I think many things have changed since I started many years ago.

Last year in the WTA Finals, Elena Rybakina pocketed $5.235 million, the highest prize money that a tournament (both men and women) offered to the winner.

We also see that there is a lot of interest in women’s tennis; the semifinals and finals attract large audiences. I believe we also deserve a bit more in that regard. The calendar has improved. It has improved a lot. Now there are usually women’s and men’s matches in evening sessions.

Elina Svitolina added

Indian Wells also offers equal prize money to both men’s and women’s winners. The champions in the ongoing event will receive $1,151, 380 each.

Elina Svitolina shares her feelings on Iga Swiatek’s support for Ukraine

Countries are at war across several parts of the world. The war between Russia and Ukraine and the one between the allies of America and Israel with Iran have been heavily discussed by the tennis world.

Because the Middle East Swing concluded recently, the conflict prompted the closure of airspace. Several players found themselves stuck, including Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Karen Khachanov, and Holger Rune (he is undergoing rehabilitation in Doha).

At the press conference after the fourth round, Elina Svitolina said the Russia-Ukraine war, which started in early 2022, has been somewhat forgotten because of other wars. She then lauded her quarterfinal opponent, Iga Swiatek, who has consistently criticized the war and the sufferings of the innocent people.

Swiatek was one of the first who truly supported Ukraine. She wore the ribbon for a long time and spoke many times about the war. We also organized the charity match for Ukraine, and a lot of money was raised for the cause. For me, she has always been, and will always be, the player who has done the most in that sense.

When it comes to the head-to-head record, the Pole holds a 4-1 lead with their last match being the quarterfinals of the 2025 French Open, which Swiatek won in straight sets. Before scheduling the match against the 31-year-old, Swiatek breezed past Karolina Muchova.

Svitolina, who won the ASB Classic, reached the semifinals of the Australian Open and lost the Dubai Tennis Championships final to Jessica Pegula, is a one-time semifinalist at Indian Wells. Swiatek has lifted two titles in the California desert, defeating Maria Sakkari in 2022 and 2024. She last won a tour-level title at the 2025 Korea Open.

Also read: Victoria Mboko Shares Honest Feelings After Debuting as a Top 10 Player in Indian Wells

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW