LTA Ensures Equal Prizes by 2029

LONDON — The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has announced a landmark commitment to introduce equal prize money for men and women at the prestigious Queen’s Club Championships and Eastbourne International by 2029, marking a significant step toward gender parity in British tennis.

A Pledge for Equality in British Tennis

The LTA’s decision follows years of scrutiny over pay disparities at these historic grass-court tournaments. While Wimbledon has offered equal prize money since 2007, Queen’s (an ATP 500 event) and Eastbourne (a WTA 500 and ATP 250 combined event) have maintained gaps, with men often earning more due to higher ATP prize pools. "This is a long-overdue correction," said LTA Chief Executive Scott Lloyd. "We want British tennis to lead by example in fostering fairness and opportunity for all players."

The Current Prize Money Landscape

As of 2024, the discrepancy remains stark:

  • At Queen’s, the men’s singles champion earned £477,000, while Eastbourne’s women’s champion took home £120,000.
  • The ATP’s larger financial contributions to Queen’s have historically justified the gap, but critics argue this perpetuates systemic inequality.
The LTA’s pledge aims to bridge this divide by reallocating funds and securing new sponsorships.

Grassroots Impact

Beyond professional play, the move is expected to inspire young athletes. British No. 1 Katie Boulter welcomed the news: "Seeing equal rewards at these tournaments sends a powerful message to girls that their dreams are valued equally." The LTA also plans to reinvest savings from operational efficiencies into women’s development programs.

Challenges Ahead

Achieving parity by 2029 requires navigating logistical hurdles:

  • Sponsorship: The LTA must attract backers willing to fund the £2 million+ annual shortfall.
  • Tournament Structure: Eastbourne’s combined status complicates alignment, as the ATP 250 event has lower base funding.
"It’s ambitious but achievable," insisted tournament director Gavin Fletcher.

Global Context

The LTA’s pledge aligns with broader trends:

  • The US Open became the first major to offer equal pay in 1973.
  • WTA 1000 events like Madrid and Rome achieved parity in the 2010s.
However, smaller tournaments often lag. Eastbourne and Queen’s joining the list would set a precedent for 500-level events.

Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli praised the decision: "Equality isn’t just about Slams—it’s about every rung of the ladder. The LTA is doing vital work here."

Conclusion: A Milestone in Progress

While 2029 may seem distant, the LTA’s commitment sets a clear deadline for change. As Lloyd noted, "This isn’t just about money; it’s about respect." With sustained effort, British tennis could soon celebrate two more tournaments where champions—regardless of gender—receive equal reward for equal achievement.