(Reuters) – The prize money for this year’s Billie Jean King Cup champions has been increased to a record $2.4 million, matching that of the men’s Davis Cup. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced that a total player prize money purse of $9.6 million will be divided among the 12 competing nations in Seville.
The ITF president, David Haggerty, expressed his pride in the announcement, stating that achieving gender parity in tennis is a fundamental aspect of the ITF’s Advantage All program. He is delighted that they were able to offer equivalent prize money to the Davis Cup Finals once again this year.
On Tuesday, the action will commence at Estadio la Cartuja, with Switzerland, the defending champions, facing the Czech Republic in Group A. Australia, the runners-up from last year, will also be on the court on the opening day as they compete against Slovenia in Group B.
The qualifying nations have been divided into four groups, each consisting of three teams. The group winners will advance to the semi-finals, and the final match will take place on Sunday.
Reported by Martyn Herman and edited by Ken Ferris.
