Coco Gauff speaks out against unfair prize money distribution in tennis: 'This doesn't happen in other sports'

Despite her young age, tennis prodigy Coco Gauff is one of the leading figures on the WTA Tour and the American did not hold back when discussing the call for change in prize money distribution in the sport.

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), co-founded by Novak Djokovic, recently filed a lawsuit against both the ATP and WTA Tours, demanding an increase in prize money for the players. Gauff was one of the top 20 men's and women's players who signed the lawsuit, indicating she was in full support of the notion.

Prize money distribution doesn't help lower-ranked players, says Gauff

Prior to her opening round match at the ongoing Madrid Open, Gauff was asked why she opted to affix her name to the lawsuit.

"The economic distribution in tennis is nowhere near that of other sports," the 2023 U.S. Open champion told the press. "Only the top players like us can benefit, not those lower down. This doesn't happen in other sports.

"We are privileged to be at the top of tennis and able to demand changes, which is why we sent the letter and hope to have a meeting soon. We are very aware that we are elite athletes and have the privilege of making a lot of money very easily.

"As a female elite athlete, I also see other sports where they do not have as many privileges. We have to thank Billie Jean King for what she did for our sport."

Gauff will face Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska in the second round on Thursday, after receiving a first round bye.