WTA to guarantee equal prize money at all 1000-level tournaments by 2027

The Women's Tennis Association announced Thursday that all combined WTA 1000 tournaments will offer equal prize money to men's competitions from 2027, marking a significant milestone in gender equality in professional tennis.

The commitment encompasses the Italian Open and other prestigious events in the WTA 1000 category, which will standardise their prize distributions across the board. The move represents the final step in achieving pay parity at this tier of women's professional tennis.

Several WTA 1000 tournaments have already implemented equal prize money in recent years, but the 2027 deadline ensures that no event in this category will fall behind in compensation equity. The Italian Open's inclusion in the initiative underscores the universal nature of the commitment across major international tournaments.

The announcement reflects the WTA's ongoing efforts to advance financial equality in women's sports and comes as the organisation continues advocating for greater investment in women's professional tennis globally. The move is expected to enhance the prestige and attractiveness of WTA 1000 tournaments to players and broadcasters alike.

Pay parity at the WTA 1000 level completes a broader push for equal compensation across the women's circuit, positioning the WTA at the forefront of gender equity initiatives in professional sports.