Slovenian coastal city Koper hosted one of the qualifiers of the Billie Jean King Cup the past weekend. Prior to the tennis matches, a round table on equality in sport was organised by the Slovenian Tennis Federation (Tennis Slovenia), hosted by the City of Koper and facilitated also by the European University Sports Association (EUSA).

The Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers for 2023 took place on April 14-15 in several cities around the world. The winning nations from the Qualifiers, alongside the 2022 world champions and runner-up will compete in the 2023 Finals that will be held in November.



The event in Slovenia was also accompanied by the round table on equality, with special focus on gender equality and equity. The initial welcomes were made by the Vice-Mayor of the City of Koper Ms Jasna Softic and the Director of Tennis Slovenia Mr Gregor Krusic.



Prior to the round table, two keynote presentations were made, firstly by the President of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Mr David Haggerty, and the Treasurer of the Association For International Sport for All (TAFISA) Mr Janez Sodrznik. Both highlighted their strategies, campaigns and commitments towards equality, some of the highlights included the Advantage All Strategy by ITF, TAFISA's Mission 2030: For a Better World Through Sport for All, HeforShe global campaign, and some other examples and specific campaigns.



The importance of the tournament and personal experiences with Billie Jean King were also shared via video addresses by the former and the most successful Slovenian tennis players Ms Mima Jausovec, and the President of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) as the national governing body of tennis in Great Britain Ms Sandy Procter.



The main part of the event was the panel discussion, featuring the ITF President Mr David Haggerty, 1st Vice-President of the International Dance Organisation (IDO) Ms Fiona Johnson, Director of Tennis Slovenia Mr Gregor Krusic, professional tennis players Ms Maja Matevzic and Mr Aljaz Bedene, and professional football player Ms Tjasa Tibaut. The discussion was facilitated and moderated by Mr Andrej Pisl, EUSA Communications and Projects Manager.



The debate covered several relevant issues when it comes to equal treatment and ensuring equal conditions. Although gender was the main focus, the debate also touched upon the importance of wider equality, including age, race, (dis)ability, culture, sexual orientation, political and religious beliefs, economic and social status and other characteristics. Focusing on gender, the panellists expressed their satisfaction that for most major events in tennis the conditions, as well as equal prize money is now a reality. Also on the list of best earners we find male and female athletes. The situation is unfortunately not reflected at all levels, and especially not in all sports. Recently more focus is given on the equal pay initiatives in football and also other sports. The panellists agreed that there are several challenges and differences across cultures and countries to be met and overcome, but pointed out that it is up to all of us to contribute to a better, more equal and inclusive future. The common message is the importance of visibility, role-models, addressing the topic, being the change we want to see, not looking for excuses, bravely and proudly keep on changing our immediate environment and consequently the world.



The Billie Jean King Cup is the premier and largest international tennis team competition for women, launched as the Federation Cup in 1963 and is ran by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). This year, the Cup celebrates 60th anniversary. The Cup is also closely connected with the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), founded by Billie Jean King in 1973 on the principle of equal opportunity, and is one of the global leaders in women’s professional sports.

[Round table photos by Vid Ponikvar / Sportida]