Portuguese world No.34 Joao Sousa has become the latest player to call for a review of how prize money is distributed on the ATP Tour during an exclusive interview with ubitennis.
During a one-to-one interview with Andrea Lavagnini for Ubitennis, the 26-year-old has called for more standardisation in prize money. The comments from Sousa comes a week after Gilles Simon told French media that the top players earn too much compared to the lower ranked players. When asked about Simon’s comments, the world No.34 backed him.
“Well, I agree with him. All those that play within the tennis world know how hard it is to enter the top-100 and there is a huge difference between the top players and all the others, or at least those who are a bit ‘lower in the rankings, so yes, I agree”. He told Ubitennis.
Sousa approaches the end of his season with new confidence after claiming his first ATP title in Valencia since 2013. Prior to his title in Valencia, the Portuguese player has also reached three other ATP finals in 2015. At 34th in the world he has currently earned $848, 973 in prize money this year. His earnings this year is seven times less than world No.3 Andy Murray ($6,103,571) and almost 19 times less than world No.1 Novak Djokovic ($15,986,989).
Speaking about the huge financial difference between the top players and the lower ranked players, Sousa is optimistic that a solution can be found via the Players Council.
“Surely it could standardize a bit, especially in the slam’s where the money is higher. We have a board that is that Gilles is part of and he certainly will try to discuss it with other players to find a solution”. He said.
This issue of prize money has been a fragile topic in recent years. The lower down the rankings, the bigger the issue becomes. China’s highest ranked male tennis player, Zhang Ze, has publicly said that he needs more money to progress his game during a recent press conference in Shanghai. Another report came from American player Jean-Yves Aubone. Writing for Tennis Atlantic, Aubone finished 2014 at 484th in the world and earn $9260 in singles prize money that year, which is almost $5000 below the American annual minimum wage.
Earlier this year ATP CEO Chris Kermode announced an increase in prize money at Challenger events. He said in January that the ATP is looking into other methods to try and reduce the costs for players on the tour.
“We need to get the right Challenger events in the right weeks, reducing travel costs and improving the medical services, player education, officiating and marketing at these events.” Kermode said.
“We are taking a holistic approach as we look to make the time players spend at the Challenger level more sustainable.”
The full interview with Joao Sousa can be read here.