The new generation of female tennis players has elevated the sport and earned the right to be paid for the “work” that they do. Young players like the Williams sisters, Martina Hingis, Lindsay Davenport and Maria Sharapova are keeping the flame alive.
John McEnroe may not be the most likeable guy in town but even he whole-heartedly supported the women’s campaign for equality.
However, there are still many men who disagree with equal pay for women. Some insist that men earn more money because they play the best of five while the women play the best of three. And some men feel that women players are simply showcasing their sexual appeal more than their tennis skills, and thereby increasing their endorsements earnings. Some male players argue that women’s tennis is more about glamour than skill. They go on to say that women should play the best of five in order to qualify for equal pay.
Yet no one will disagree with the popularity of the female tennis players.
The gals bring the fans to the court and draw millions to TV screens. And it is not just about their great looks. There are classic matches between females that will go down in tennis history, Evert vs. Navratilova and Graf vs. Seles. Sure there is a sexually appealing element but can you ignore Seles’ powerful ground strokes and shrieks and the court presence of Venus and Serena Williams, Hingis, Anna Kournikova and Maria Sharapova?
If fans want to watch men sweat, then they can watch a three hour men’s match, if they want a lively, exciting and entertaining match filled with great shots and action, they can enjoy the women. If brute strength dictates equal pay then, yes, the men should be paid more. But ticket sales are a real equalizer, and that, is exactly what these women do, sell tickets.
Tennis needs the glamour of the ladies. Tennis is a big money international competition and glamour and sex are an integral part of it. Tennis players are now amongst the elite athletes, recognized and adored worldwide. So if it’s all about the money, then it’s high time that, Wimbledon, did finally “show them the money.”
