"Really moving" - Venus Williams thanks Denis Shapovalov for speaking out against gender pay gap in women's tennis
Former World No. 1 Venus Williams recently thanked Denis Shapovalov for endorsing equal pay for tennis players of both genders.
On the eve of International Women's Day, Shapovalov, through an article in the Players' Tribune, spoke about the pay gap affecting women's tennis players on the tour.
The 23-year-old wrote about how he came to know of the issue from his girlfriend, tennis professional Mirjam Björklund. The Canadian wrote about all the expenses the players need to take care of.
"I’m not sure everyone realizes how damaging this is for tennis. Tomorrow is International Women’s Day, and I want to talk about the gender gap. It’s so unfair. It doesn’t make sense at all. And it matters, because the expenses are crazy in tennis: You travel all year, you stay in hotels, you pay your coaching staff.
"The big stars don’t have to worry about it, but many on the tour are struggling just to break even. For these players, prize money is not about getting a nice lump of extra cash. It’s about survival," Shapovalov wrote.
The former World No. 10 further wrote about how, if these issues persist, women's tennis will become less popular.
"And then women’s tennis really will become less 'popular'. It will be shown less on TV. That would have a domino effect. And the saddest part is that it goes all the way to the kids. I was inspired by Roger, but if women’s tennis gets less exposure, the little girl in front of the TV may not think it could be a reality for her. She’ll never see her idol and go, 'Look at her'. I want to do that."
Williams, the seven-time Grand Slam singles winner, turned to social media to thank Shapovalov for his words in the article.
"Really moving article, thank you @denis.shapovalov for supporting equity for women," Venus Williams wrote on Instagram.
The World No. 30 also returned Williams' favor by thanking the American veteran for her support.
"Means a lot!! Thanks Venus."
Denis Shapovalov lost in the second round of the Indian Wells Masters
At the recently concluded Indian Wells Masters, Denis Shapovalov faced defeat as early as the second round when he lost to France's Ugo Humbert. Up against the Frenchman, Shapovalov lost 7-5, 6-4.
Shapovalov has had a rough start to the 2023 season. Having finished as a quarterfinalist in the Adelaide International, the Canadian suffered a drastic dip in his form.
He reached the third round of the Australian Open, followed by successive third-round losses at the Dallas Open, the Delray Beach Open, and the Mexican Open.