As federations struggle to reinvent themselves, private academies are capturing talent… but also families able to invest tens of thousands of euros a year. A system that is increasingly effective, but also increasingly unequal.
Behind the podium smiles, a divide persists: that of prize money. Between sporting fairness, television audiences, and economic weight, tennis is still searching for the right formula — but parity remains a match without a winner.
The Auckland tournament promises to be thrilling: Ben Shelton will lead the way, but the spotlight will be on Gaël Monfils, the defending champion, and Stan Wawrinka, prestigious invitees.
In an emotional interview, Monfils discusses fatigue, his family, but also the difficulty of announcing his retirement to the one who has always supported him: his father.