Coco Gauff and Emma Raducanu found themselves at the center of a tennis controversy over their differing stances on pay equality between the WTA and ATP Tours, as reported by The Mirror US and Express.co.uk. Gauff, the world No. 2, has been vocal about the need for change, telling Khaleej Times in February, “The biggest thing is that in most sports, people watch the men’s game more… We have to market women’s sports better,” advocating for increased investment to close the earnings gap in non-Grand Slam events. She also praised Billie Jean King’s efforts, saying, “We have to thank Billie Jean King for what she did for our sport,” per www.themirror.com.[](https://www.themirror.com/sport/tennis/coco-gauff-emma-raducanu-wimbledon-1220110)[](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/2071509/emma-raducanu-coco-gauff-wimbledon)
In contrast, Raducanu, ranked No. 37, stirred controversy by refusing to comment on the issue during a Queen’s Club Championships press conference, stating, “I just prefer not to get involved… I’ll just roll with it,” despite acknowledging the prize money disparity in week-to-week WTA events, per www.express.co.uk. Her silence drew criticism, with some fans and analysts on X, like @TennisTalkDaily, labeling it “disappointing” for a high-profile player, per. Gauff’s outspokenness, rooted in her belief that better marketing could elevate women’s tennis, highlighted a generational divide, as Raducanu’s neutrality was seen as sidestepping a pressing issue.
Both players are gearing up for Wimbledon, starting June 30, where equal prize money is standard. Gauff, fresh off her French Open title against Aryna Sabalenka, aims to surpass her fourth-round Wimbledon best, while Raducanu, also yet to advance past the fourth round, faces added scrutiny amid her back injury and recent stalker scare, per www.bbc.com. The debate underscores ongoing tensions in tennis’ push for equity, with Gauff’s clarity contrasting Raducanu’s reticence.
