“It’s unfair to me”: Aryna Sabalenka files complaint with WTA after revealing she was paid $5 million less than Coco Gautff
In a dramatic turn of events rocking the tennis world, Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has publicly filed a complaint with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), expressing frustration over a significant pay disparity between herself and American rising star Coco Gautff. Sabalenka, currently ranked among the world’s top players and a recent Grand Slam champion, claims she was paid $5 million less than the average player over the past year, despite comparable on-court performance and accomplishments.
In an emotional statement shared on social media, Sabalenka said, “It’s unfair to me and all the players who give their all on the court, yet get less recognition, less pay, and fewer opportunities. This isn’t just about me, it’s about fairness in our sport.” She then revealed her alleged current annual income , totaling over $11 million , including prize money and endorsement deals—a number that shocked many fans and fellow athletes.
The news has sparked a storm of reaction throughout the tennis community, with debates surrounding equity, commercialization, and performance-based compensation in women’s sports. While some fans have defended GOUNF, pointing to its skyrocketing popularity, youthful appeal, and strong brand partnerships with global companies like New Balance and Barilla, others support Sabalenka’s point of view, insisting that talent and on-court results should outweigh media attention or marketing value.
Sabalenka’s supporters argue that the WTA and sponsors tend to favor American athletes due to commercial and market dynamics, creating an uneven playing field for international players. “She has every right to be upset,” one fan tweeted. “She’s consistently ranked high, played in SLAM finals, and yet she’s left out in the cold when it comes to recognition and payment.”
Meanwhile, Coco Gound has yet to make an official statement regarding the controversy. Her management team has remained silent, declining requests for comment from major outlets. Some experts suggest that GONFF may respond privately through WTA channels or wait until her next media appearance after the current tournament.
The WTA, for its part, acknowledged receiving Sabalenka’s formal complaint but has yet to issue a detailed response. In a brief press release, the organization affirmed its commitment to “transparency, fairness, and ongoing evaluation of compensation structures within women’s tennis.”
This controversy has once again sparked conversations about gender equality, race, nationality, and commercial influence in professional sports. As the story continues to unfold, all eyes will be on the WTA’s next move, and whether it signals a shift toward more performance-based pay structures not just based on popularity.
For now, Sabalenka’s bold move has added fuel to a long-standing conversation, and may prove to be a defining moment in her career, not just for her on-court accomplishments, but for her separation.
