Bianca Andreescu understands that a significant aspect of her role extends beyond the tennis court; at times, she may not even be holding a racket. Whether she's autographing a ball or penning a children's book, the Canadian tennis sensation aims to inspire the next generation and contribute to the improvement of her sport for future female players. Andreescu views the drive for gender equity in tennis, particularly regarding athletes' compensation, as a "beautiful thing."

The former US Open champion revealed that she didn't get equally paid like men in many tournaments but also asserted that the situation is getting better.

Bianca Andreescu Thanks Jean King

She thanked Billie Jean King for paving the way for equal pay rights. She acknowledged the responsibility of the athletes to make it perfect.

“In my experience, obviously, I haven’t got paid in many tournaments just like the men, but I know that it’s getting better,” shr stated

More than 50 years have passed since tennis legend and feminist icon Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in the Battle of the Sexes exhibition match. Despite this, discrepancies in funding and accessibility between men's and women's sports continue to exist. Andreescu is currently championing change through a Tennis Canada campaign that specifically targets gender equity.

She asserts that equality is not restricted to only equal pay but encompasses equally deserving groups that need accessibility to sports.

"We do have to thank Billie Jean King for that because she’s the one that paved the way. And I think our responsibility as athletes now, men or women, it’s just to get that to, I guess, perfection.”- she added.

Significant Development in the field

In a significant stride toward pay equity, the National Bank Open is committed to ensuring that the WTA prize money will reach nearly 60 per cent of the ATP pot by 2025, with both events expanding to 12-day main draw formats. By 2027, the women’s winner will be awarded an equal amount to the men’s, marking a pivotal moment in the tournament's history.

Anticipated to surpass US$10 million, the total WTA prize money at the NBO in 2027 will reflect a remarkable 350-per cent increase over the 2023 award.