Is the Public Perception that Mens Tennis is Sport, Womens Tennis is Eyecandy?

Question

Why or why not?

The following article covers comments made on TV about the recent Wimbledon tennis event:

"The theme of men's vs women's tennis is age old. Only the terms of abuse have changed. Justin Gimelstob, a former mixed-doubles champion who sits on the board of the Association of Tennis Professionals, said last week that women's tennis had improved: "There are fewer lesbians now because they're all Russian chicks. And there's some other cute ones out there." He specifically recommended the "well developed" Nicole Vaidisova and the "sexpot" French players Tatiana Golovin and Alizé Cornet."

A milder version of Gimelstob's sentiments is mainstream public opinion. The urgent topics of debate about the female players this year have included Maria Sharapova's tuxedo jacket and shorts. I found my 16-year-old son transfixed by coverage of a women's match and asked if it was exciting. "Yeah, yeah, good," he nodded appreciatively. "Ana Ivanovic is really hot."

Answer 1

Ana Ivanovic IS really hot.

Answer 2

It could be the other way around for women.

Answer 3

oh dear god, it just wears me out, if you want to feel outraged by this, go ahead.

as if hot girls in tennis skirts running around sweating and grunting isnt hot.

would you rather have them covered up, burkas perhaps?

Answer 4

I must say that I am quite a fan of tennis and have been to many matches, both male and female.  I found the men's matches to be much more intense and grew quite bored with the women's matches.  That being said...possibly the only reason women's tennis has any kind of following is because of the sexual appeal of the women as it surely cannot be purely for the sport (their skill is far inferior to the men of the sport imo).  I am sure this sexual appeal was further enhanced by Stephie Graf's perpetual grunting. lol  ;)

Answer 5

No. I'm an avid Grand Slam follower. Men & Women's tennis are described professionally. Well, I suppose I don't really know becaus I'm a single female watching by myself.....

BUT, I will admit that I do look for the cute male Tennis players. From Federe to Safin to Hewitt, I seek a great set and a glipse of their face. So it IS eyecandy according to your orientation.

Answer 6

Well I personally think Sharapova is "scorching" not hot.

Is it objectification?  No I don't think so.  I do watch the tennis. Women's tennis now has the best of both worlds.  It's every bit as  athletic as it was in the days of Billy Jean King and Navratilova.  Now however, there are woman who actually get to be and look feminine while serving up aces.  I believe it's actually an advancement for women's tennis in a post-modern sense.

Answer 7

This is the case a lot of the time. I know I enjoy watching ladies tennis more than the men. The heaving bosom of Serena Williams is a better sight than Roger Federa's bent hooter.

I really watch the tennis too though....honest I do.

Answer 8

Yes. Men have always been attracted to women. Nothing new. Are you attracted to women... if so, then you contribute. Should one think that women don't check men out when they play sports?  Has anyone never heard of women thinking male sports figures are 'hot'?

Although there is a lot, I don't think women are as much into men's sports as men are, either. Should we force women to become more interested in men's sports also, if that is what one is to suggest for men and women's sports?