Economic inequalities in professional tennis: Elite success, the invisible majority, and career sustainability

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of economic inequalities on the career sustainability of athletes in professional tennis. Document analysis design was used in the study conducted with qualitative research method. The data sources of the research were prize money tables of ATP, WTA, ITF and Grand Slam organizations, player support programs, athlete income reports, academic publications and public reports. The data were evaluated under four main themes using the descriptive analysis method. These themes; income insecurity and income distribution, prize money structure and tournament levels, lower-level tournament economics and career sustainability. Findings have shown that professional tennis revenues are not evenly distributed among all players and that economic gains are largely concentrated in favor of top-ranked players. Under the theme of income insecurity and income distribution, it has been determined that lower and middle level players have more limited income sources. The theme of prize money structure and tournament levels has revealed that there are clear economic differences between the Grand Slam and top-level ATP/WTA tournaments and the Challenger and ITF levels. The theme of lower-level tournament economics has shown that although the ITF World Tennis Tour and ATP Challenger Tour cover a large player base, their economic returns remain limited. Under the theme of career sustainability, it was concluded that travel, accommodation, coaching, health and equipment expenses affect the players’ opportunities to continue their professional careers. As a result, economic inequality in professional tennis has been considered not only as an income difference but also as a structural problem that determines career sustainability.