What do you think of the new image women's tennis is taking? Do you think this is taking away from the sport?

Question

As fans of tennis, do you think that the women are concentrating too much on celebrity rather than the game, or do you think that they are doing a good job of getting more people interested in the game?

Answer 1

I like it!

Answer 2

I dont think they even concentrate or want celebrity, except for the over rated Sharapova. She is the only one that gets most of the print and loves it and craves the spotlight. The Williams Sisters, Henin, Ivanovic and so on, get there fair share, but they dont go out of there way as Maria does. Perhaps if Maria came down to reality, she would realize she would probably been better off concentrating on her sport, talent, then her so called modeling. Chris Evert started the glamour thing with tennis, which was good, and even today with many stylish, attractive players it helps the game, but if you cant succeed on the court and keep spectators interested, than no point. I think for so long we got accustomed to seeing less feminine women in sports, that now being there are so many in every sport, it gets too happy with the cameras.

Answer 3

Isn't it interesting how they never go on about what the men are wearing at Wimbledon? A lot of the female players who are top ranking are more of a brand name than a sportsperson. I think glamourising women's tennis in this way won't encourage people's interest - it depresses me because I don't look like a glamour model AND I can't play tennis either. Wimbledon was much more entertaining as a sport when I was younger I think.

Answer 4

I think it is good for the sport. Not having one dominant player equals the playing field. Federer pretty much dominated on the mens side, and Nadal is starting to come on. I dont think they are focusing on the celebrity, well, everyone but Sharapova and Serena Williams.

Answer 5

i'm not too sure i like the direction women's tennis is going. i'm seeing more of a "generic" type of player: rising female tennis players who are all talented in their own right, but there's nothing spectacular in their games that distinguishes them as individuals. also, top players like the williams sisters and sharapova do seem more interested in the celebrity world. then, you have other top players like mauresmo, davenport, etc. who just aren't what they used to be. for once, i'm finding myself more interested in men's tennis...