"Achieving equal prize money across all combined WTA 1000 tournaments is a major milestone for tennis," WTA chair Valerie Camillo said.

The Women's Tennis Association announced on Thursday that all combined WTA 1000 tournaments will award equal prize money to women and men starting in 2027, marking what WTA chair Valerie Camillo called a 'major milestone' for tennis. The Italian Open in Rome is among the events joining the initiative, nearly six decades after Billie Jean King won the tournament at the Foro Italico. The move builds on the legacy of the 'Original 9,' the pioneering group of female players who fought for equal pay in the sport.