The breaking news from the tennis world is that Serena Williams was upset in the semifinals of the U.S. Open. However, what is now a recurring theme is gender inequality in the tennis world.
Gender inequality is a touchy subject that the tennis world would rather avoid than investigate.
Raymond Moore, former tennis player and CEO of multiple tennis tournament, made disparaging remarks towards the Women’s Tennis Association earlier this year. During a press conference at the BNP Paribas Open, tournament CEO Moore stated that he wanted to play in the WTA in his next life because “they ride on the coattails of the men.” He also stated female tennis players “don’t make any decisions and they are lucky.”
Moore’s offensive comments continued to worsen: “If I was a lady player, I’d go down every night on my knees and thank God that Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal were born, because they have carried this sport. They really have.” Moore has since resigned after his remarks.
However, this is part of a larger pattern of sexism. No.1 male tennis player, Novak Djokovic, gave patronizing comments about women’s hormones. Djokovic also argued that men’s tennis has had more spectators and should therefore be paid more than female tennis players.
Many members of the tennis community have not shared the same this gender inequality. No. 2 male tennis player Andy Murray made sure female tennis players were being recognized. After being congratulated by BBC’s John Inverdale for being the first tennis player to win two gold medals, Andy Murray corrected Inverdale by stating both Serena and Venus Williams have won four gold medals each. When asked about being one of the greatest female athlete of all time, Serena Williams herself said she would “prefer the word ‘one of the greatest athletes of all time.’ ” Even legendary female tennis player Billie Jean King was disappointed in Raymond Moore’s comments.
“He was wrong on so many levels,” King said.
From the occasional tennis viewer to the superstar tennis player, Serena Williams and other female tennis players should receive proper recognition from everyone.
