Huge money divide in tennis exposed: How a local star has to buy second-hand clothes for the Australian Open while Aryna Sabalenka wears a $230,000 watch
Aryna Sabalenka is the woman to beat at Australia Open
World number one has amassed $30million in her career
Stark contrast to Aussie battler Destanee Aiava
The astronomical money divide in world tennis couldn’t be clearer when you compare world number one Aryna Sabalenka to Aussie junior prodigy turned battler Destanee Aiava, who has had to resort to buying her outfit for the first round of the Australian Open on Facebook.
While Sabalenka, 26, is chasing her third successive Australian Open title and this week has been sporting a watch worth a reported $230,000, Melbourne-raised Aiava lives a very different lifestyle.
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The 24-year-old was elated on Thursday after qualifying for the main draw for the first time since 2021.
And with good reason – even if she fails to beat her first round opponent – Belgian Greet Minnen – Aiava is guaranteed to walk away with $132,000 in prizemoney.
If Aiava – who at 14 was the top-ranked player for her age in the world – moves through to the second round, an eye-watering $200,000 awaits plus a personal achievement to savour – over $1million in career prizemoney.
Not bad for the player who plans to wear a blue adidas outfit she spotted on Facebook marketplace for $35 come her first round match on Monday.
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The astronomical money divide in world tennis couldn’t be clearer when you compare world number one Aryna Sabalenka to Aussie junior prodigy turned battler Destanee Aiava (pictured)
Sabalenka, 26, is chasing her third successive Australian Open title and this week has been sporting a watch worth a reported $230,000 (pictured left, circled in red)
Sabalenka is rated a $3 chance with most bookmakers to win the tournament – and you could name your price for Destanee Aiava (pictured, with fellow 2024 winner Jannik Sinner)
‘It was a steal,’ the world number 195 told The Age. ‘I’ve struggled with clothing sponsorships for the last couple of years.
‘I love my fashion, and I always love the older dresses that don’t get worn any more.
‘It’s been fun bringing them back.’
Aiava also paid tribute to her fiancé Corey, who she leant on heavily during previous mental health battles.
‘I think definitely staying happy off court impacts my results,’ she said.
‘Yeah, he’s been a great help, stuck by me through a lot of things.’
Inexplicably, Aiava was fat shamed this week on X by several ‘fans’ on social media.
Meanwhile, the contrast to life on the professional tour when it comes to Sabalenka is staggering.
Having won three career grand slam titles, Sabalenka has amassed over $30milliom in prizemoney so far after turning professional in 2015.
Inexplicably, Aiava was fat shamed this week on X by several tennis ‘fans’ on social media
The pride of Belarus is sponsored by the likes of Nike, Wilson, watchmaker Audemars Piguet and Whoop.
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Private jets are the norm as she navigates herself around the world each year – and Sabalenka also happens to be dating wealthy superfood entrepreneur Georgios Frangulis.
Born in Brazil, Frangulis is the founder of superfood brand Oakberry, which sponsored the Haas F1 team and formed a partnership with Sabalenka after the couple’s romance began.
Sabalenka is rated a $3 chance with most bookmakers to win the tournament – and you could name your price for Aiava.
The Australian Open begins on Sunday, January 12.
Melbourne
Aryna Sabalenka
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