Coco Gauff emphasized the need for improvement in pay equity, stating, "My matches were more crowded or the same as some of the top seeds on the men's side, so I don't think it's an attraction issue." Gauff’s comments underline the persistent disparity in pay beyond major tournaments, despite the progress achieved at the US Open and other Grand Slams. Her perspective highlights that audience interest does not correlate with financial rewards, suggesting a need for systemic change in tour events.
Billie Jean King effectively initiated the equal pay movement in tennis by threatening to forgo the 1973 US Open unless equal payouts for women were established. The US Open became the first major sports event to offer equal pay to female and male champions. King’s legacy remains significant, as the equal pay now extends across all four Grand Slam events, emphasizing how far the support for female athletes has advanced since she claimed just $10,000 compared to the men's $25,000.
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