So I guess she is in favor of women playing best three out of five sets, like the men...since they earn the same money. Right??? Poor aggrieved superstar.
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Navratilova actually defended Williams's claim. From BT Sport: "Yet Williams made a forceful statement on behalf of the women's game, shortly after nine-time Wimbledon champion Navratilova added the weight of her voice to the debate."
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Venus has always been in the forefront of women's rights and equality for women in tennis. This is just more of the same, bravo.
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If the women want equality, they need to play 5 sets as the men do. Otherwise, quite your beefing and just play.
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One means of understanding why the men get more attendance, the NY Times section on tennis is a perfect example. Venus had an amazing win over a 19 year old who was playing inspired tennis (the oldest and youngest women). No mention of the game, drama or the high level of play but an article about a "dress" has been up for a week. Is it any wonder fans favor the men and so do the tournament directors?
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Wow, I commend Serena and other players who speak out because it's not easy to do! Sometimes I'm still amazed at how far we have come, but still how much further we have to go! I couldn't believe reading the disparities for players based on gender in this day and age, sadly! I know some people feel like what do they have to complain about, but it's about human rights, a sense of fairness, and equality or whatever anyone chooses to call it. Members of our society can spend so much time in denial or accusing individuals of whining or playing a card of sorts, when biases do exist! I hope women continue to speak out and join together regardless of backgrounds because this divide (gender inequality) spreads wide, while other isms like racism or bigotry runs deep, all serious offenses and needs our attention!
I understand Williams' point, but then, I see why many would disagree. There are those who do not believe women should earn the same winnings as men. I think Wimbledon should come off the sideline and state their policy so everyone can understand the motivation and the reality. If men are given preference in court hierarchy, and ranking and is less of a consideration, just say it.
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Why is Wimbledon so biased in favor of adult men and women?? Why aren't the Juniors competing at the Wimbledon Championships having much more time on the Wimbledon Center Court? I mean, the youth are the FUTURE of the sport; there's no need to waste time looking at the leveled-off talent of, say, Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic. For example, the serving speed of Milos Raonic has now peaked at about 145 mph and is not getting any faster: Boring. Yawn. I say put the Juniors on Ctr Court at prime time, NYTimes editors, and just see how the tennis public responds to the change of priorities.
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She is absolutely right and she showed great grace and restraint in making her point. But she also played remarkably well. And I am glad she and Serena are back to playing doubles.
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If you want equality, play 5-setter too like the men.
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The 5 set argument makes no sense. No athletes in any sport are paid based on the length of their respective games, matches, races, etc. Do you think that marathoners are paid more than sprinters because they run a longer distance?
I had the same thoughts as you a few years back. But have changed my belief after a conversation with Billie Jean King. While women can compete in sports, they are physiologically different, as described by Billy Jean. She went on to say that the 5-setters are not appropriate for women. I am a female recreational tennis payer. I have played 3 setters in 3 hour matches and wondered if I would have the stamina to last a 5 setter. But I defer to Billy Jean's stand. She should know better than you (no disrespect to you).
It's an absolute disgrace. They put a 5 times Wimbledon champion 5 TIMES ranked 8th in the world on court 18. Venus williams,how can they do that to a 5 time champion. Hang your heads in shame organiser's at Wimbledon, you have disrespected a five time champion of yours.You take away from what it is to be a Wimbledon champion or is that just your women Wimbledon champions. shameful
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Shameful, and disgusting that All England defended by saying she hadn't objected to court 18. Why even place her there first and then ask if she objects? That would be like, do you mind entering the back door? Do you mind sitting in back of the bus? Disgusting and shameful to put a 5-time champion there to begin with, and then put the onus on her to object!
Venus did play on Centre Court in her first match. Not all the former champions can play on Centre Court for each match. Whether there is some issue about Court 18 being worthy or whether women are put there unfairly, I do know that it is considered a good court, and not eighteenth in quality. I think there is an effort to mix the men's and women's matches with an eye to duration of the match, but whether it's always done fairly, I don't know, and apparently Venus doesn't think so. I know that Djokovic didn't like being away from Centre Court in the match he lost, but he wasn't on it.
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As a woman and a feminist, I agree completely that women sould be treated equally to the men. Bravo to Venus for speaking up.
However, as a tennis fan and annual attendee at the US Open, I know the problem is as much with the tennis fans as the tournament organizers. At the Open, when there is a man playing in Ashe (Center Court), more people watch there. That gives the rest of us the opportunity to see good players on other courts without huge crowds.
Sadly, when there the Ashe match features almost any woman except a Williams, people leave that court and flood into the others. It happens all the time, every year.
When all tennis FANS think women's tennis is as improtant as men's, things will really change.
However, as a tennis fan and annual attendee at the US Open, I know the problem is as much with the tennis fans as the tournament organizers. At the Open, when there is a man playing in Ashe (Center Court), more people watch there. That gives the rest of us the opportunity to see good players on other courts without huge crowds.
Sadly, when there the Ashe match features almost any woman except a Williams, people leave that court and flood into the others. It happens all the time, every year.
When all tennis FANS think women's tennis is as improtant as men's, things will really change.
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I agree with part of this. It certainly seems entirely fair that fans get to choose who they want to watch. And it seems entirely reasonable for tournament organisers to respond to their own estimate of demand. And this wouldnt always follow gender. John Isner could become no.1 in the world but i wouldnt ever want to watch him. He is just kinda boring to watch.
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I do!
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When female players are as good as the men, that's when fans will watch.
Venus Williams is such a class act. When she talks, Wimbledon should listen.
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Venus Williams is a class act! A Tennis champion and a champion for women's Tennis and equality. Such an inspiring figure and a true American Hero.
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It's one thing of being older, you become wiser . Venus is clearly playing the mama for everybody . You tennis players should be glad for still having her on the game .
She's a good person
She's a good person
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I understand Venus' frustration, but this appeared to be an extenuating circumstance due to weather delays (as was mentioned several times in the article).
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But the pattern has clearly shown it not to be just due to rain.
From 2010-2016 Venus has only been scheduled on Centre Court 5 times. She has been a 5 time champion and 3 time RUP that entire time. In 2010 she was the #2 seed and defending finalist and only saw it once out of 5 matches.
2 of those 5 times in these 6 years were against Serena and Kvitova. I totally understand that in 2012 she was unseeded, 2014 she was like #23, and 2015 she was #16...but to go with her setiments I don't think if the ranking of Novak, Nadal, Murray, or Roger fell they would put them on Court 2 and Court 18.
Regardless Venus has 5 Singles Titles and 5 Doubles Titles and made 8 Finals in total. She has th esame amount of Titles as Djoovic and Nadal put together!
From 2010-2016 Venus has only been scheduled on Centre Court 5 times. She has been a 5 time champion and 3 time RUP that entire time. In 2010 she was the #2 seed and defending finalist and only saw it once out of 5 matches.
2 of those 5 times in these 6 years were against Serena and Kvitova. I totally understand that in 2012 she was unseeded, 2014 she was like #23, and 2015 she was #16...but to go with her setiments I don't think if the ranking of Novak, Nadal, Murray, or Roger fell they would put them on Court 2 and Court 18.
Regardless Venus has 5 Singles Titles and 5 Doubles Titles and made 8 Finals in total. She has th esame amount of Titles as Djoovic and Nadal put together!
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Yes, and I don't think it was made clear how the men's average longer game is dealt with in the scheduling.
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If "equality" is the concern, then it should also be mentioned that the level of play is not equal, the length of the matches is not equal, and the draw or level of interest for the fans is not equal. The only thing that is equal is the prize money which in my opinion should not be equal for all of the above reasons.
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If the women play 3/5 of the sets that men play, they should be paid 3/5 of what men earn.
I'd like to see all players play three sets in the early rounds, then five starting in the round of 16. Watching top male seeds coast through their early matches against weak opponents is dull. The level of play in early round women's matches is arguably higher.
As for equality, women pay just as much as men do for airfare, training and gear, more for apparel, and they train just as hard. And they typically can't have kids until they retire, increasing the chances that they will need expensive assisted reproduction technologies. Men who want kids can have them while on tour, or if they wait, can do it then and still launch straight into their post-playing careers.
Finally, fan interest: If a top-seeded man played on 18, would you say that fans weren't interested in him because only 800 attended? And let's face it: many fans want to see at least one match at centre court. If more men's matches take place there, then of course they will draw more fans, regardless of the players' personal popularity.
As for equality, women pay just as much as men do for airfare, training and gear, more for apparel, and they train just as hard. And they typically can't have kids until they retire, increasing the chances that they will need expensive assisted reproduction technologies. Men who want kids can have them while on tour, or if they wait, can do it then and still launch straight into their post-playing careers.
Finally, fan interest: If a top-seeded man played on 18, would you say that fans weren't interested in him because only 800 attended? And let's face it: many fans want to see at least one match at centre court. If more men's matches take place there, then of course they will draw more fans, regardless of the players' personal popularity.
1
Rich people's problems. All about egos. Why can't they just be happy for playing a game and getting paid millions. If personally be embarrassed sulking on publicly about playing in the "back yard" with all the misery in the world today.
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Martina N. views Venus' comments as nonsense? To attribute the source of Williams' remarks as being rooted in jealousy is difficult for me to believe, when considering Martina's past accomplishments on tennis court . The reality is that Martina's tweets display a dimwitted detachment from reality. Tennis is a sport where gender equality has been actualized more so than other sports played at the professional level. Still it is commendable that Venus has not shied away from openly and tactfully acknowledging that there is further progress to be made. Martina belongs to that special group of celebrities who need public relation specialists on guard to protect themselves from the nonsense that escapes from their heads.
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I don't know if I understood incorrectly or not, but I thought the "nonsense" Martina was talking about was the placement of this match on court 18 itself.
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I'm pretty sure she was saying that having Venus play on Court 18 was nonsense. After all, she said "it stinks" and the article makes it clear that she was referring to Williams' placement.
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I took Martina's comment to be in defense of Venus Williams.
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What a classy athlete. Ms Williams continues to represent her sport well even as she fights the good fight for women everywhere. thank you.
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While I agree with her sentiments, her behavior on the court is hardly what I would call classy.
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@Wanderer
What are you referring to? When has Venus's behavior on court lacked class?
What are you referring to? When has Venus's behavior on court lacked class?
Think you may have the wrong Williams in mind. Venus ahs always been classy both on and off the court.
Yes, no more men's and women's division.
Every human the same.
Then the courses, $, etc can be equalized - the most talented win.
Every human the same.
Then the courses, $, etc can be equalized - the most talented win.
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And when women play three out of five sets at Grand Slams.
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@ M Anderson
Personally I find 5 sets tedious and downright boring, I usually tune in at the end.
How about this, 3 sets until the quarters or semis then 5 sets for both male and female players? It would solve many issues, namely injuries and court availability.
BYW, I don't think the women players had an issue with best of 5, I think it was the tournament directors.
Personally I find 5 sets tedious and downright boring, I usually tune in at the end.
How about this, 3 sets until the quarters or semis then 5 sets for both male and female players? It would solve many issues, namely injuries and court availability.
BYW, I don't think the women players had an issue with best of 5, I think it was the tournament directors.
15
SCHEDULING is the problem. How long do you think this tournament would last if women played 5 sets????
1
Venus is 100% correct. Part of the game of tennis is dealing with unexpected conditions, wind, sun, rain delays etc...
The top seeds should be spread throughout the courts equally, male and female. As a fan I would love to see any of the top seeds on one of the smaller courts, a more intimate setting as well as Centre Court or Court 1.
That said, spectacular win yesterday for Venus, what a class act and one of the best ambassadors of the game. Good luck against Carla Suarez Navarro!
The top seeds should be spread throughout the courts equally, male and female. As a fan I would love to see any of the top seeds on one of the smaller courts, a more intimate setting as well as Centre Court or Court 1.
That said, spectacular win yesterday for Venus, what a class act and one of the best ambassadors of the game. Good luck against Carla Suarez Navarro!
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And I think ALL players should make the same $. And ALL players should play the best of 5 sets. And I think even the fringe player who can't qualify for a major open should make a living wage. And I think even if a player is 70 years old that should not preclude him or her from being a professional tennis player and earning A PROFESSIONAL paycheck.
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Maria Sharapova said you'd have to carry her away in an ambulance if she played five. But we now know that she requires PEDs to play 3.
5
Is this a serious comment? It can't be... A 70 year old should make the same as Nadal or Federer? I actually hope your dream comes true. Then I and millions of others can not work and just play tennis for a living.
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Venus Williams was polite but firm in having her say about the obvious bias toward men's tennis vs. women's. I applaud her for standing up for women who continue to fight against institutional sexism on and off the court, all over the world.
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Venus is classy. Kudos to her for her great spirit and continued push for equality. It doesn't happen by magic. It takes work and it's great that V Williams continues to contribute. Wishing her continued great success both on and off court.
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