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Women Win a Grand Slam as Wimbledon Agrees to Pay Equal Prizes
Wimbledon is the world's most famous tennis championship. However, since the time it began to award prize money, women have always earned less than men. But not anymore! The All England Club who sponsors the event announced that beginning this year the men's and women's championships will be paid equally.
The change was a long time in the coming. When Wimbledon started paying players forty years ago, men's champion Rod Laver winnings nearly tripled those of women's champ Billie Jean King. Last year, the difference in pay between champions Amelie Mauresmo and Roger Federer was only 5% but it was still there.
Wimbledon officials said men were paid more because they had to win more matches than women. Also, women often earn more money overall because they play in doubles, while the top men usually only play singles. But, mostly the resistance came from simple tradition.
Fortunately, the officials realized it was time to change. Women make up 55% of the spectators at Wimbledon. And in other famous tennis championships like the U.S. Open, the pay has been equal for years.
Three-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams seems satisfied. "The greatest tennis tournament in the world has reached an even greater height today. I applaud today's decision by Wimbledon, which recognized the value of women's tennis."
I'm Lucy and that's what happened in sports this week!
Do you know your tennis stars? Try to guess who is who in this week's Match Games!
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