Players across the ATP and WTA circuit share their concerns over the reduction in prize money

Players across the ATP and WTA circuit share their concerns over the reduction in prize money

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been brutal to everyone in almost every sector. So has been the case with tennis. In tennis, the pandemic has meant prize money at most tournaments has been significantly reduced since the ATP and WTA Tour resumed last August.

On account of this, many players across the ATP and WTA circuit have pointed out their concerns over the drastic reduction in prize money.

Elina Svitolina

“Players do no longer want to play tennis. Prize money is low,” Serbian star Filip Krajinović said in Dubai after his Round of 16 match.

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On the WTA tour, Elina Svitolina, top seed at the Dubai said, “There is definitely a significant change in the prize money. It definitely hits your motivation.”

Don’t want to play at all: Denis Shapovalov

Denis Shapovalov

While the ATP announced earlier this month that it will be increasing prize money at some tournaments, Shapovalov thinks some players “don’t want to play at all” at the moment.

“I definitely think there’s going to be a lot of withdrawals and a lot of people not going to tournaments because the prize money is low,” he said.

“In a way it’s not motivating to play every week and play all the big tournaments because there’s not really a lot in it for us other than the Slams at this point that are paying just as much or better, like in Australia this year.”

He confirmed that the lack of prize money is the main reason why players are opting out to play.

The Miami Open next week has been hit with withdrawals as Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem have both opted to skip the tournament to focus on the clay season. Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have also withdrawn from Miami.

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