“For what?” Rafael Nadal, who calls himself a feminist, has a baffling response to whether men and women should have equal pay

Rafael Nadal has attracted criticism for his recent comments.

“For what?” Rafael Nadal, who calls himself a feminist, has a baffling response to whether men and women should have equal pay

Rafael Nadal (image via IMAGO)

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has been struggling not just on the court but off it as well. The 37-year-old, who has as many as 22 Grand Slam titles to his credit, has made a few decisions in the last couple of weeks that have backfired for him. While Nadal’s signing as ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation (STF) attracted criticism, his comments about equal pay for men and women have also raised eyebrows.

Nadal’s latest interview with El Objetivo on La Sexta has raised questions about the Spaniard being an advocate of feminism. The 37-year-old has always projected himself as someone who is a strong believer in equal rights for women. However, Nadal’s response to the question about equal pay for women and men has left everyone baffled.

YouTube video

When the 22-time Grand Slam champion was asked if men and women should have the same salaries, Nadal said that while he advocates for equal opportunities, he does not believe in equal pay. Instead, Nadal suggested that whoever generates more revenue gets for salary.

FS Video
I think there must be the same investments and the same opportunities. The same salaries? No, for what? If you tell me that feminism is thinking that a man and a woman deserve exactly the same opportunities, I'm a feminist...I want equality, I want women to earn more than men if they generate more than men. What bothers me is when I am told that income and earnings should be equal
Rafael Nadai said.

Rafael Nadal in hot waters after his comments on equal pay

This comment from Rafael Nadal has landed the Spaniard in trouble. The 37-year-old who is seen as an icon and inspiration has been facing backlash. Many have dug out old videos and statements of Nadal where he has talked about feminism.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Image via Imago)

This is not the first time Rafael Nadal has advocated for equal play based on the revenue generated. Back in 2018, after winning his 17th Grand Slam title, Nadal stirred controversy when he claimed that women’s tennis players should be paid equally only if they have equal TV ratings. 

Female models earn more than male models, and nobody says anything. Why? Because they have a larger following. In tennis, too, who gathers a larger audience earns more.
Rafael Nadal had said. (H/T: CBS)

It is worth mentioning that the prize money at Grand Slam tournaments is equal for both men and women winners. However, there is still a significant pay disparity that is still to be addressed.

In case you missed!