Former world No. 3 Nikolay Davydenko has reignited controversy by labeling equal prize money at Grand Slam tournaments “unfair” to male players. Davydenko’s remarks, made in a recent interview with Match TV, argue that the disparity in match format—best-of-five sets for men versus best-of-three for women—renders equal pay inequitable.
He highlighted the physical demands of men’s matches, citing examples where male players often endure grueling five-set battles even in the opening rounds, compared to dominant straight-set wins in the women’s draw.
“Male tennis players work three times harder than female players, especially in Grand Slam tournaments,” he said. “It’s unfair to pay them equally.”
Davydenko’s comments contrast sharply with the decades-long fight for equal prize money led by icons like Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, and ATP supporter Andy Murray.
Grand Slam events have awarded equal pay since 2007, with the US Open pioneering the practice in 1973. This year, men’s and women’s champions at all four Slams received matching paychecks, including $3.6 million for US Open winners Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka.
While equal pay at Grand Slams is unlikely to change, Davydenko’s stance underscores the enduring debate over fairness in tennis prize money allocation.