Why Novak Djokovic once apologised to Serena Williams after making comments that angered WTA players
Novak Djokovic found himself at the centre of controversy back in 2016…
After winning Indian Wells in 2016, Djokovic entered himself into the long-running debate over equal prize money in tennis.
The Serb claimed that prize money should be ‘fairly distributed’ based on ‘who attracts more attention, spectators, and who sells more tickets’.
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
His comments weren’t appreciated by the stars of the WTA Tour, who had spent years campaigning for equal prize money.
During the second event of the Sunshine Double, the Miami Open, Djokovic attempted to clarify his comments, revealing that he had apologised to several top women’s players.
Novak Djokovic apologised to Serena Williams for his comments and insisted he didn’t mean to offend her
At a Miami Open press conference, Djokovic said this about equal prize money.
“I make no difference in terms of gender. I believe in equal opportunities and we all contribute in our own ways,” he said.
“There is a lot of attention on what I say, and I want to repeat that there were no bad intentions.
“I never had a problem with equality. I was referring to the tournaments and how the wealth is distributed to all players: high-ranked, low-ranked, female, male, young, and old. We deserve more of the wealth distribution, for all genders.”
Djokovic said that he had been in discussion with several tennis legends after his comments at Indian Wells went viral.
“I have just been speaking with Billie Jean King about opportunities tennis players have and the influences we can have in different fields of life,” he said.
“Andy [Murray] sent me a message, we spoke very openly and frankly.
“I sent a message to Serena [Williams], Caroline Wozniacki, and others. I just wanted them to understand, and I never had any intention to offend or have a negative connotation of my statements.”
Djokovic’s apology seemed to be accepted, although the debate didn’t stop there.
Both players, Djokovic and Williams, finished 2016 ranked number two on their respective tours, but the prize money difference was alarming.
Prize money differences – ATP vs WTA (2016)
Rank
ATP Name
ATP Prize money
WTA Name
WTA Prize money
1
Andy Murray
$16.3 million
Angelique Kerber
$10.1 million
2
Novak Djokovic
$14.1 million
Serena Williams
$7.7 million
3
Milos Raonic
$5.6 million
Agnieszka Radwanska
$4.2 million
4
Stan Wawrinka
$6.9 million
Simona Halep
$4.3 million
5
Kei Nishikori
$4.8 million
Dominika Cibulkova
$3.9 million
6
Marin Cilic
$3.5 million
Karoline Pliskova
$4 million
7
Gael Monfils
$3.4 million
Garbine Muguruza
$3.9 million
8
Dominic Thiem
$3.2 million
Madison Keys
$2.3 million
9
Rafael Nadal
$2.8 million
Svetlana Kuznetsova
$2.4 million
10
Tomas Berdych
$2.6 million
Johanna Konta
$2.4 million
Top 10 Total
–
$63.2 million
–
$45.2 million
Prize money differences – ATP vs WTA (2016)
Both Murray and Djokovic enjoyed legendary seasons in 2016, which provides some context to the prize money disparity, but not all…
There was clearly a gap that needed to be closed nine years ago, but has any progress been made since?
Who earned more in 2025? ATP or WTA players?
Again, it was the men who earned more prize money in 2025, although it’s clear to see that the gap isn’t as wide as it was back in 2016.
Prize money differences – ATP vs WTA (2025)
Rank
ATP Name
ATP Prize money
WTA Name
WTA Prize money
1
Carlos Alcaraz
$19.1 million
Aryna Sabalenka
$15 million
2
Jannik Sinner
$18.8 million
Iga Swiatek
$10.1 million
3
Alexander Zverev
$6.1 million
Coco Gauff
$8 million
4
Novak Djokovic
$5.1 million
Amanda Anisimova
$7.3 million
5
Felix Auger-Aliassime
$5.3 million
Elena Rybakina
$8.5 million
6
Taylor Fritz
$5.5 million
Jessica Pegula
$5.3 million
7
Alex de Minaur
$5.2 million
Madison Keys
$4.4 million
8
Lorenzo Musetti
$4.9 million
Jasmine Paolini
$5.3 million
9
Ben Shelton
$4.7 million
Mirra Andreeva
$4.7 million
10
Jack Draper
$3.4 million
Ekaterina Alexandrova
$2.7 million
Top 10 Total
–
$78.1 million
–
$71.3 million
Prize money differences – ATP vs WTA (2016)
There’s still work to be done, but things look to be heading in the right direction.
Perhaps we will soon see men and women earn equal prize money on tour, a dream that once seemed unachievable…
News
BREAKING NEWS: “IT STILL HURTS TO TALK ABOUT” — Dylan Dreyer’s ex-husband finally opens up about the real reason their marriage ended
Dylan Dreyer’s Ex-Husband Breaks Silence on Their Split In a stunning revelation that has rocked Today show fans, Brian Fichera, the ex-husband…
“The Shock That Stopped Morning TV”: Dylan Dreyer Breaks Her Silence in a Heart-Wrenching Return to Today, Revealing That Her Husband’s Affair Was With Someone Alarmingly Familiar. Viewers were left frozen as Dylan tearfully shared the truth — a betrayal that hit closer to home than anyone could have imagined. The emotional confession has shaken fans and colleagues alike, as the mystery of who was finally revealed — and it’s more shocking than anyone dared to believe.
DYLAN DREYER ANNOUNCES SPLIT FROM HUSBAND BRIAN FICHERA AFTER 12 YEARS OF MARRIAGE: “WE WILL REMAIN CLOSEST OF FRIENDS” Dylan…
Dylan Dreyer accidentally reveals her new lover’s identity in a clip of her moving into her post-divorce home — and it’s someone you all know!
VIDEO: Dylan Dreyer accidentally reveals her new lover’s identity in a clip of her moving into her post-divorce home —…
Unscripted Disaster on Live TV: Inside the Stunning Today Show Firing, the Viral Spiral, and NBC’s High-Speed Damage Control
For millions, the Today Show is reliable ritual—coffee in hand, familiar faces on screen, a soft landing into the news…
AFFAIR BOMBSHELL: Dylan Dreyer Breaks Silence on Husband’s Infidelity—Reveals Son Discovered the Shocking Secret and Hints at the Other Woman’s Identity In her first public appearance since the split, Dylan Dreyer stuns fans with raw confessions about betrayal, heartbreak, and the moment her eldest son uncovered the truth. Who is the real figure at the center of it all—and why is everyone talking?
Dylan Dreyer’s Shocking Revelation After Split: Son Uncovers Husband’s Affair Dylan Dreyer, the beloved Today show meteorologist, stunned fans with her first…
Dylan Dreyer just had her first solo Thanksgiving since separating from Brian Fichera — and she’s surprisingly upbeat about it. “It was different, but great!” she said, revealing she single-handedly demolished the pumpkin pie “because no one else would eat it!” With only her sons by her side, Dreyer turned a potentially emotional holiday into a moment of closeness, humor, and fresh beginnings.
TODAY’s Dylan Dreyer shares insight into ‘great’ first Thanksgiving since split from husband — photos The TODAY anchor opened up…
End of content
No more pages to load
