Things can only get better: Scott

Dubai: The women's game is headed in the right direction, according to the top official of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.

"These are very exciting days for women's tennis and it can only get better," Larry Scott, chairman and chief executive officer of the Tour told a select group of reporters at the Dubai Aviation Club.

Scott was referring to Wimbledon's decision, earlier last week, to have equal prize money for men and women at this year's tournament. The Dubai Tennis Championships are among the select group of top tournaments with parity of payment to players.

"It is symbolic that the announcement from Wimbledon had to come during this week. The folks here take a lot of pride in staging such a world-class event," Scott noted.

"The women's game is progressing a lot and we've never had so many strong players at the top. And the best part is that most of these players at the top are capable of winning against each other all the time," Scott added.

Scott attributed the Wimbledon decision to a range of factors starting with a bit of pressure from the Olympic movement which insists on equality and fairness. "And then there were the players themselves who were keen to be treated fairly," Scott said.

Wimbledon was the third of the four Grand Slams opting for equal prize money following initiatives taken by organisers at the US Open and the Australian Open a few years back.

With pressure mounting, the French Open is also expected to hike the stakes and make an announcement sooner or later.