Haas opposes equal pay
Venus Williams, one of the leading campaigners for the move said Wimbledon had done the right thing, describing it as “a wonderful day.”
“I just feel that in the modern world with the modern thoughts, we all understand that everyone’s equal,” the American former world number one told reporters after her 7-6 6-4 quarter-final win over fellow American Laura Granville at the Memphis International.
“So if someone else doesn’t choose to live in the modern world and do the right thing, then thank God that the majority of people in the All England Club do.”
Germany’s Tommy Haas, however, said the decision was unfair.
“I don’t think it’s really fair,” the world number nine said after his 7-6 7-6 second-round win over American Amer Delic, which moved him closer to the $128,000 first prize (compared with the women’s winner, who will receive $28,000).
“I think the depth of men’s tennis is much tougher than the women’s, plus we play best of five sets.”
Haas said men had to be in top physical condition to succeed at the grasscourt grand slam.
“You might think it’s not as brutal but you have to be in unbelievable shape on grass, even if the ball stays low and the points are shorter,” the German said.
“Not to say that the women don’t deserve it. The top players train very hard and are very good tennis players but in general I don’t agree with it.” Reuters
The article continues on to quote Andy Murray as saying it is a good thing.