Tennis Greats Boris Becker and Martina Navratilova Call for Olympic Medallists to Receive Prize Money

Tennis legends Boris Becker and Martina Navratilova have joined forces to advocate for Olympic medallists to receive prize money across all sports, following World Athletics’ announcement that track and field athletes will be awarded cash prizes at the Paris 2024 Games.

Navratilova, an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion, expressed her excitement at the prospect of athletes finally being compensated for their hard work and dedication. She emphasized that being a top athlete is a full-time job and that the days of amateurism in the Olympics are long gone.

Becker, who won singles gold at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, echoed Navratilova’s sentiments, highlighting the financial struggles faced by many athletes despite their contributions to the sporting world. He emphasized that athletes should not be the ones left behind when it comes to reaping the benefits of their success.

In addition to their stance on Olympic prize money, both Becker and Navratilova voiced their concerns about the upcoming WTA finals being held in Saudi Arabia. Navratilova criticized the decision to host the prestigious event in Riyadh, citing the country’s controversial political landscape and urging players to consider the implications of their participation.

As the Laureus World Sports Awards take place in Madrid, Becker and Navratilova’s calls for fair compensation for athletes and their stance on political issues in sports serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and controversies within the sporting world. Their advocacy for change and transparency in the industry reflects a growing movement towards greater accountability and support for athletes worldwide.