Complaints by Serena and Williams on Wimby Court Scheduling

[wangs78]

WIMBLEDON, England -- WTA chief Larry Scott said on Wednesday he was "disappointed and concerned" with the scheduling of women's matches at Wimbledon and planned to discuss the issue with organizers of the grass-court Grand Slam.

Serena Williams and Serbian No. 2 seed Jelena Jankovic lashed out at organizers on Monday after they, along with defending champion Venus Williams, were shunted off the two main show courts for their fourth-round matches.

While Venus and Serena, who between them have won six titles here, were moved to Court 2, Jankovic was exiled to Court 18, which she described as "almost in the parking lot."

"I do have concerns based on what I have seen about the scheduling and I know some of our players were troubled by it," Scott told Reuters. "But I do plan on meeting with the chairman of Wimbledon in the next couple of days and discussing our concerns."

"I want to understand his point of view and the club's point of view. I think it's important they understand our players' point of view and my point of view."

The scheduling on Monday raised eyebrows because, while the Williams sisters and Jankovic were banished to smaller arenas, the main attractions in the men's draw, five-time champion Roger Federer, two-time runner-up Rafael Nadal and British hope Andy Murray have played all of their 2008 matches on the two main courts.

Although Venus Williams, who is chasing a fifth Wimbledon title, refused to get drawn into the argument, her younger sister Serena did not hold back.

"Initially I thought, OK, is this the right schedule? I thought maybe there was a mistake," the eight-time Grand Slam winner said.

The sisters might have the right to feel aggrieved, because the last time Federer was off the two main show courts at Wimbledon was the 2003 quarterfinals against Dutchman Sjeng Schalken -- and that was before Federer had won his first title.

"I've spoken to Venus, Serena and Jelena Jankovic and they're quite pleased that I'm going to be taking this up directly with the chairman," Scott said.

"I was disappointed and concerned and share the concern of our players. ... I've committed to them that I would take this up this week."

Scott declined to comment when asked if he thought the women were not receiving treatment equal with the top men.

But when it was pointed out that Federer, Nadal and Murray had played all of their matches on the two main courts this year, Scott said: "That speaks for itself."

Wimbledon referee Andrew Jarrett said on Monday that organizing the packed schedule meant not all players could appear on the courts they preferred.

"With 16 matches to play on six show courts, it is inevitable that some leading players will be scheduled away from Centre and Court One," he said.

"This is always the case on the second Monday at Wimbledon and as such provides a great opportunity for spectators."

 

[wangs78]

Personally, I'd much rather watch Federer or Nadal play over Serena or Jankovic so I think it makes a lot of sense that they get Center Court while Serena plays on Court 1 or another court. I am a bit surprised that Jankovic was on Court 18, but I can't imagine Jankovic being a big attraction at a place like Wimbledon.

They should maybe institute a system that allows ticket holders for a given day enter online (one entry per ticket of course) which match they'd rather see. The most popular matches should get Center Court or Court 1. My view is that the schedulers at Wimby and other tournaments have a good sense of which match that is. It's not surprising that Serena is complaining again. I'll admit I'm not a fan of hers, to be fair, but she sure complains a lot for someone who is reaping millions from the sport.

 

[MEAC_ALLAMERICAN]

Trying to start some crap?

How does this article correlate to the OP stating that "Serena and Williams "complaining about the schedule?


Isn't the title of the article " Wimbledon-WTA chief upset by women’s scheduling" ?

http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=reu-wimbledonscheduling_interview&prov=reuters&type=lgns

WIMBLEDON, England -- WTA chief Larry Scott said on Wednesday he was "disappointed and concerned" with the scheduling of women's matches at Wimbledon and planned to discuss the issue with organizers of the grass-court Grand Slam.

Serena Williams and Serbian No. 2 seed Jelena Jankovic lashed out at organizers on Monday after they, along with defending champion Venus Williams, were shunted off the two main show courts for their fourth-round matches.

While Venus and Serena, who between them have won six titles here, were moved to Court 2, Jankovic was exiled to Court 18, which she described as "almost in the parking lot."

"I do have concerns based on what I have seen about the scheduling and I know some of our players were troubled by it," Scott told Reuters. "But I do plan on meeting with the chairman of Wimbledon in the next couple of days and discussing our concerns."

"I want to understand his point of view and the club's point of view. I think it's important they understand our players' point of view and my point of view."

The scheduling on Monday raised eyebrows because, while the Williams sisters and Jankovic were banished to smaller arenas, the main attractions in the men's draw, five-time champion Roger Federer, two-time runner-up Rafael Nadal and British hope Andy Murray have played all of their 2008 matches on the two main courts.

Although Venus Williams, who is chasing a fifth Wimbledon title, refused to get drawn into the argument, her younger sister Serena did not hold back.

"Initially I thought, OK, is this the right schedule? I thought maybe there was a mistake," the eight-time Grand Slam winner said.

The sisters might have the right to feel aggrieved, because the last time Federer was off the two main show courts at Wimbledon was the 2003 quarterfinals against Dutchman Sjeng Schalken -- and that was before Federer had won his first title.

"I've spoken to Venus, Serena and Jelena Jankovic and they're quite pleased that I'm going to be taking this up directly with the chairman," Scott said.

"I was disappointed and concerned and share the concern of our players. ... I've committed to them that I would take this up this week."

Scott declined to comment when asked if he thought the women were not receiving treatment equal with the top men.

But when it was pointed out that Federer, Nadal and Murray had played all of their matches on the two main courts this year, Scott said: "That speaks for itself."

Wimbledon referee Andrew Jarrett said on Monday that organizing the packed schedule meant not all players could appear on the courts they preferred.

"With 16 matches to play on six show courts, it is inevitable that some leading players will be scheduled away from Centre and Court One," he said.]

"This is always the case on the second Monday at Wimbledon and as such provides a great opportunity for spectators."

 

[wangs78]

Williams and (probably) Jankovic probably called the WTA Chairman to complain to him about it.

 

[boringmember]

Well, it's good to bring up the issue, but I doubt that the Wimbledon organizers will care. I mean, they give the winning man a trophy and the winning woman a serving platter.

 

[bluetrain4]

I'm going to defend the players that complain. Not because the complaining isn't annoying, not because the complaining does any good. But, simply because any particular players shouldn't be singled out. Fed has complained about court assignment in the past. Lord Sampras has complained about courts during his reign. A lot of players do it, and it's being reported like it's some new fad started by very shallow and fickle players. It's been done forever.

 

[split-step]

The issue is not about Men vs women.
Serena and Venus were on court 2, Jelena Jankovic on court 18(??), while Vaidisova and Zheng were on Court 1, I think and Kuznetsova Wozniacki were on centre court.


Also, Venus DID NOT COMPLAIN!!!. She was VERY professional and handled herself with class (as she usually does).

She said "I am here for my tennis, and today (that day) my tennis was on court 2." Winning 3 and 4 pretty much says it all.

 

[tennisdad65]

They need to play the 4th round on sunday & monday. then they would not have these issues. forget the sunday tradition

 

[wangs78]

Ok, yes players have a right to complain. But I think the system's pretty fair already in that the big matches (semis and finals) are scheduled where they are all played in the big arenas. Not sure what Serena was griping about.

 

[boredone3456]

Venus looked upset, but she dealt. It was Richard Williams who complained, saying that Venus as Defending Champion should be given Center court and that they would never dare put Rodger on Court 2 and that his daughters were being disrespected. Serena was a bit upset, Venus dealt. Jankovic was the one who was the most angry, saying she was basically playing in the parking lot and needed a helicopter to get out to her match because it was so far from everything else. Fact is, not everyone gets center court and the organizers obviously felt other matches were bigger draws.

 

[veroniquem]

I agree with Richard Williams. They should really treat Venus as a hero in W given how many times she's won it. Jankovic has really no grounds for complaining. What has she ever done at W to request a special treatment? Reached the round of 16 the last 2 years? Lol

 

[Arafel]

I don't know, but at first glance, it seems more of the sexism that is ingrained at the AETC since the 1800s. If there are compromises, AETC always do it to the women. IMHO, Jankovic had a right to complain. First, they ignored her request to have her match delayed because of her injury, then they put her on Court 18? She's the no. 2 seed, for crying out loud. Then you see that Roger hasn't played on Court 2 or any other court but Center or court 1 in 6 years, and that Nadal and Murray have played all their matches on the two main courts, and I think there is a pattern at work.

 

[Breaker]

Venus looked upset, but she dealt. It was Richard Williams who complained, saying that Venus as Defending Champion should be given Center court and that they would never dare put Rodger on Court 2 and that his daughters were being disrespected. Serena was a bit upset, Venus dealt. Jankovic was the one who was the most angry, saying she was basically playing in the parking lot and needed a helicopter to get out to her match because it was so far from everything else. Fact is, not everyone gets center court and the organizers obviously felt other matches were bigger draws.

I'm pretty sure they do it so that all of the top players get at least one chance on centre court, so that they wouldn't have another Nalbandian fiasco like in '02 where every single one of his matches were on smaller courts. Dementieva hadn't had a centre court match and deserved one (against a higher quality opponent than either of the Williams' had to play btw..).

Also, Fed was playing Hewitt, the only two men in the entire draw who have won Wimbledon, and he is possibly the GOAT playing in his prime and he draws the most crowds outside of Murray there. Of course he gets centre court and not "relegated" to court 2. Imagine Roger vs. Lleyton on court two while Serena or Venus are on centre court, there wouldn't even be breathing room on court two and centre court would be pretty empty.

Jankovic..somewhat disrespectful towards others who get put on that court, it's essentially the fourth show court and even Baghdatis was put on that court and he is much more accomplished on grass and much more charismatic than she is. As the organisers said, too many matches, too little courts, and they still BARELY finished play before it got too dark.

 

[MEAC_ALLAMERICAN]

Williams and (probably) Jankovic probably called the WTA Chairman to complain to him about it.

Way to go, give Jankovic the benefit of the doubt.

 

[crazytennis]

Haha yeah, and the main courts also mean you get to use Hawk-eye.

 

[crazytennis]

And the title is just trying to single out Serena and Willams(whichever Williams that is, Serena, Venus, Richard, Prince Willam) when Jankovic is complaining as well.

 

[MIGHTY MANFRED THE WONDER]

I don't know why they don't send their coach out there to complain instead of their "contracts manager" Richard Williams.

Yeah... Send out their professional coach- Oracene Williams to make these complaints.
I'm sure her vast experience and background in tennis would make those officals sit up, thats it... her vast experiences in tennis.

 

[tomahawk]

I would say that someone who would have a bigger complaint would have been Pete Sampras being relegated to Court 2 in his 2002 match vs. George Bastl. A 7 time winner of Wimbledon on court 2? Cmon!

 

[ufgatorkid]

The OP clearly has an agenda with that title.

 

[tangerine]

There's definitely been some bias and favoritism going on at Wimbledon and the women got the rotten end of the deal.

Wimbledon needs to dump its "tradition" of racism and sexism.

Williams sisters to play 3 matches Monday on 'graveyard of champions' court
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/06/28/sports/EU-SPT-TEN-Williams-Graveyard-Court.php

 

[Moose Malloy]

This is getting a little ridiculous, have any of you watched Wimbledon before?

This is the ONLY major that plays ALL of the round of 16 matches on the SAME DAY.

Think about the 'scheduling difficulties' faced by a TD that has to deal with 16very important singles matches, most of them involving seeded players.

Plus there is only a day session at this event, no lights, so at maximum you can only have 3 singles matches of reasonable length on a court per day. What a nightmare, you can't please everyone with that scenario.

Also, in the 20+ years I've been following Wimbledon, they ALWAYS have only one womens singles match on show courts per day(excluding ladies QF day)

Call them sexist or whatever, but surely Venus & Serena & Larry Scott haven't lived in a cave for the last 20 or so years & have noticed that men always get more time on Center than the women there (btw the French also schedules more men's matches than women's matches on show courts. USO is the only major where women get more showcourt time)

So why is this a big deal now?

I guess the media really has no other interesting stories to write about.

And then next year we will hear the same old story again, like this is something new. Then again, there will be a roof next year, so maybe they will schedule more matches on Center that day since they have lights?

oh, and one other important thing in this 'controversy,' Serena & Venus are in the doubles & had to play a match later in the day on Monday! The All-England Club was kinda helping them out by having them on early in the day so they would have suitable rest. I imagine if it was a rainy day on Monday & some singles matches were not completed, the women who advanced early in the day on Court 23 or whatever would have been relieved & not said a thing about being 'slighted.' And you damn well know if Jankovic won her match on a rainy day, that she wouldn't have said diddly on that court assisgnment.

I wonder what Serena would say if she was put 2nd on Center, had a nice long match, then had to play doubles like an hour later, in which she then aggravated an injury. Then all we'd be hearing from her would be, 'why wasn't I put on 1st on Court 2 or something so I could have time to recover for doubles later.'

Tennis players are funny, they think the world revolves around them at a tournament, not the other players in the draw who want what they want as well.

 

[guynamedsean]

We should have never given the women equal prize money. They don't sell as many tickets and not nearly as many people want to watch their matches.

The tournaments are for the fans, not the players. The fans would mostly prefer to watch the top male players.

 

[MEAC_ALLAMERICAN]

We should have never given the women equal prize money. They don't sell as many tickets and not nearly as many people want to watch their matches.

The tournaments are for the fans, not the players. The fans would mostly prefer to watch the top male players.

The fans mostly on this message board may prefer watching the top males, but the global consensus proves otherwise.


Judging by your post, I can guess you don’t have daughters, and if you do, what are you going to tell them? You’re not worth equal prize money because “nobody including me, your dear old father/mother doesn’t want to see you play anyway”.

 

[obnoxious2]

I'm sick of the Williams sisters whining. They find every little thing to biatch about. And its not racism or sexism. Simply put, Wimbledon tries to arrange matches based on what the majority of the fans want to see.

 

[split-step]

I'm sick of the Williams sisters whining. They find every little thing to biatch about. And its not racism or sexism. Simply put, Wimbledon tries to arrange matches based on what the majority of the fans want to see.

Obnoxious (irony), what did they whine and ***** about regarding Court Scheduling?
Can you pls copy and paste quotes from Serena AND Venus? What was that? You can't? That's what I thought.

Kthxbye!

 

[MEAC_ALLAMERICAN]

I'm sick of the Williams sisters whining. They find every little thing to biatch about. And its not racism or sexism. Simply put, Wimbledon tries to arrange matches based on what the majority of the fans want to see.

Did you even bother to read their press transcripts or was the title of the thread enough for you?

 

[RedWeb]

Is court 2 or 18 a different size than centre or 1? If not, then no one should complain. Just get out there and play. Tennis already has a reputation as a pansy sport anyway. All this whining does not help that. Tournament has right to schedule as they want. If player does not like it they can choose not to play.

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

And the title is just trying to single out Serena and Willams(whichever Williams that is, Serena, Venus, Richard, Prince Willam) when Jankovic is complaining as well.

Well, that's typical of the board. The crap posted about the sisters is neverending and born of something other than honest assessments of skill or character.

 

[jserve]

Serena has no reason to complain about court assignments. There are only 2 players in the entire tournament, male or female, that were seeded lower than her that got to play all of their matches on Centre Court or court 1.

The first is David Nalbandian, who lost first round; however, Serena also got to play her first round match on court 1.

The second player is Andy Murray who has played all his matches on Centre Court. Being the strongest Brit in tournament this is obviously patriotism. Not sexism, racism or any other -ism you can think of.

 

[YellowSubmarine]

There's definitely been some bias and favoritism going on at Wimbledon and the women got the rotten end of the deal.

Wimbledon needs to dump its "tradition" of racism and sexism.

Williams sisters to play 3 matches Monday on 'graveyard of champions' court
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/06/28/sports/EU-SPT-TEN-Williams-Graveyard-Court.php

Racism? Sexism? You must be joking, I don't take your comments seriously. Wimbledon gives all player's an equal chance to play on the show courts. This helps, because for instance of Zheng gets to the final and hasn't played on Centre Court for her, she would be at a disadvantage.

Wimbledon finally gave women equal prize money, which I am against, because Men's matches go up to 5 sets, whilst the women's matches go up 3 sets.

I can understand why Jelena and Serena were annoyed, but they have to accept that they are tennis player's first and foremost, and superstars after. If they don't like the way, Wimbledon is run, then they should not enter the tournament in the future.

As for Venus, she comes under unnecessary criticism all the time, it's very tedious.

 

[wangs78]

The OP clearly has an agenda with that title.

I meant to say Serena and Jankovic. My bad.

 

[tangerine]

Racism? Sexism? You must be joking, I don't take your comments seriously. Wimbledon gives all player's an equal chance to play on the show courts.

They certainly didn't give Nalbandian a chance to play on the show courts when he faced Hewitt in the '02 final.

So you think it's completely right and fair that the WS played on the Court 2 Graveyard several times already this tournament while Federer has yet to play there at all?

 

[TheTruth]

The fans mostly on this message board may prefer watching the top males, but the global consensus proves otherwise.


Judging by your post, I can guess you don’t have daughters, and if you do, what are you going to tell them? You’re not worth equal prize money because “nobody including me, your dear old father/mother doesn’t want to see you play anyway”.

You go, Meac_AllAmerican! It's time to get past all these sexist ideas and get out of the cave in this world. Women do have just as much worth as men. They have families, dreams, and goals too. It is so wonderful to see someone think beyond themselves and consider it could be my my mother, my sister, or my daughter. You better believe the tune would change then!

 

[TheTruth]

Over the years Venus and Serena have been scheduled on Court 2 numerous times. Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, and Rafa have not. Together they have as many trophies as all three combined. Yet, these three have not ever dealt with the differences in grass, the small environment, all factors that affect your game.

There is no way anyone can consider that fair. It's better to say you don't care, because that's what it boils down to. However, let the shoe be on the other foot and see if your position is still the same.

With logic like many of these posters use, there is no such thing as inequity unless it applies to them.

And the OP's thread is misleading. The headline clearly says Larry Scott...

Haters!

 

[YellowSubmarine]

They certainly didn't give Nalbandian a chance to play on the show courts when he faced Hewitt in the '02 final.

So you think it's completely right and fair that the WS played on the Court 2 Graveyard several times already this tournament while Federer has yet to play there at all?

No, I think Federer, Murray and Nadal should have played on outside courts, but Federer and Nadal are commercially more successful than the William sister's, therefore that has something to do with it.

It's difficult to keep everyone happy, especially the top player's like Jankovic, Serena and Venus. I personally believe each player should get a chance on the show courts, but sadly that's not things operate and I am sure, Serena and Venus will play on the show courts two more times this tournament.

 

[TheTruth]

No, I think Federer, Murray and Nadal should have played on outside courts, but Federer and Nadal are commercially more successful than the William sister's, therefore that has something to do with it.

It's difficult to keep everyone happy, especially the top player's like Jankovic, Serena and Venus. I personally believe each player should get a chance on the show courts, but sadly that's not things operate and I am sure, Serena and Venus will play on the show courts two more times this tournament.

Only because they're two of the last women standing. All semifinals and finals will be played on the show courts, but for six time champions, that's foul.

 

[YellowSubmarine]

Over the years Venus and Serena have been scheduled on Court 2 numerous times. Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, and Rafa have not. Together they have as many trophies as all three combined. Yet, these three have not ever dealt with the differences in grass, the small environment, all factors that affect your game.

There is no way anyone can consider that fair. It's better to say you don't care, because that's what it boils down to. However, let the shoe be on the other foot and see if your position is still the same.

With logic like many of these posters use, there is no such thing as inequity unless it applies to them.

And the OP's thread is misleading. The headline clearly says Larry Scott...

Haters!

Maria, Rafa and Roger are more sellable and profitable than the William sister's and Jelena Jankovic. As much as Wimbledon is about Tennis and player's, the Organisers want to cash in Tennis fan's money and lets face facts, spectators want to get tickets on the show courts, and they want to see the Stars and with Maria, Rafa and Roger, these are arguably the biggest stars of Tennis at the moment. They attract the revenue, these are the player's people want to watch. Women want to see Rafa's biceps, Men want to see Maria's legs, whether they want to admit it or not. People are in awe of Federer's tennis ability, and he is an accessible tennis player, therefore he sells - he's one of the best tennis player's of all time and has done much to endorse the sport.

It's unfair, but Wimbledon is just as much a revenue making machine, as it is a tennis tournament.

 

[YellowSubmarine]

[/COLOR]

Only because they're two of the last women standing. All semifinals and finals will be played on the show courts, but for six time champions, that's foul.

It is foul. I agree, but that's just the way it is, I am sure if Serena and Venus were in the top five, they'd have played most of their matches on the show courts.

The way I see it is, who cares what court you are on? Shouldn't the important thing be achieving Grand Slam success? For all of Wimbledon's faults, they treat their Tennis players with great hospitality. Unfortunately, Wimbledon like everywhere else has to generate funds to keep the place open and therefore certain players aren't given the chance to play on the show courts as much as they would like to.

 

[Moose Malloy]

They certainly didn't give Nalbandian a chance to play on the show courts when he faced Hewitt in the '02 final.

Rain forced both men's semis to be played at the same time that year & Nalby-Malisse was put on Court 1, both semis are normally held on Center of course.

It wasn't intentional on Wimbledon's part, he was a low ranked player that snuck through the draw(like Clement or Schuettler, they haven't been on Center yet either) & unfortunately bad weather created an unusual circumstance.

It could happen again this year, if it rains a ton on Friday, & forces the mens semis to Saturday, you can be sure Fed-Safin will be on Center & Nadal-Clement/Schuttler will be on Court 1. And if by some miracle Clement/Schuettler wins, bingo we have another finalist who didn't get to play on Center prior to the final. You can only play 3 matches a day on Center, so I don't get all the fuss, its pretty much impossible for everyone to get a shot there. And when you add rain into the equation...

Over the years Venus and Serena have been scheduled on Court 2 numerous times. Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, and Rafa have not.

Rafa was on Court 2 vs Youzhny last year. Not so sure about Sharapova not being on 2 at some point, either.

Anyway, lets say you were in charge of scheduling Monday's play.
Hewitt-Federer & Gasquet-Murray were the 2 best matches on paper that day, right? there is no way you can put a match involving 2 former Wimbledon champions on Court 2, is there? or a 4th round match with a Brit?

and what was the best womens match on paper that day? Kuznetsova-Radwanksa sounded like a good one, & it turned out to be.

also keep in mind both sisters have to play a doubles match that day, so 'suitable rest' for them is a concern as well in where to put them.

 

[TheTruth]

Maria, Rafa and Roger are more sellable and profitable than the William sister's and Jelena Jankovic. As much as Wimbledon is about Tennis and player's, the Organisers want to cash in Tennis fan's money and lets face facts, spectators want to get tickets on the show courts, and they want to see the Stars and with Maria, Rafa and Roger, these are arguably the biggest stars of Tennis at the moment. They attract the revenue, these are the player's people want to watch. Women want to see Rafa's biceps, Men want to see Maria's legs, whether they want to admit it or not. People are in awe of Federer's tennis ability, and he is an accessible tennis player, therefore he sells - he's one of the best tennis player's of all time and has done much to endorse the sport.

It's unfair, but Wimbledon is just as much a revenue making machine, as it is a tennis tournament.

You have got to be kidding. Venus and Serena are some of the hugest draws in tennis. Have you seen the crowds at Maria's matches? And even then people are usually rooting for the other player. Maria's "popularity" and endorsements are a product of the commentary booth and their excessive lobbying. The organisers at the tournament I attend each year were losing money on the WTA until Serena entered the tournament. The ticket sales went through the roof. After each match she played the director was on court thanking her for entering as she was shattering records left and right. When she didn't come the next year, guess what? Sales plummeted! Why do you think Mary Carillo and Mary Jo Fernandez were/are always making a plea for them to come back? Their Williams Sisters finals draw the most viewers than any player you can think of, that includes Roger, Rafa, and Maria. You cannot believe everything they say on TV. If you don't believe me, do some research. The Williams Sisters draw not only tennis fans, but there are many who only watch when they play!

 

[Vector]

The top men sell more tickets so they get the better courts.

 

[TheTruth]

It is foul. I agree, but that's just the way it is, 1. I am sure if Serena and Venus were in the top five, they'd have played most of their matches on the show courts.

The way I see it is, who cares what court you are on? Shouldn't the important thing be achieving Grand Slam success? For all of Wimbledon's faults, they treat their Tennis players with great hospitality. Unfortunately, Wimbledon like everywhere else has to generate funds to keep the place open and therefore certain players aren't given the chance to play on the show courts as much as they would like to.

1. Jelena is #2, so that theory doesn't work.

2. I would care if I was a 2 or 4-time champion and kept getting assigned to the worst courts, while people who had never even sniffed the Venus-Rosewater were getting better assignments.

3. They are not treating everyone with great hospitality. They are picking and choosing who gets preferential treatment.

I'm going to leave this alone, because there is no justification for such shabby treatment. No one would ever convince me of that!
3. They have achieved gs success at this very tournament, and still...

 

[YellowSubmarine]

Venus has only won Wimbledon and the US Open. Jelena has never won a Grand Slam title at all, so your point 3 is tosh.

 

[TheTruth]

Venus has only won Wimbledon and the US Open. Jelena has never won a Grand Slam title at all, so your point 3 is tosh.

Wimbledon doesn't do court scheduling for the USO. The USO is not a part of this discussion. Venus has 4X the number of trophies at this tournament and Serena has twice as many than Maria. Yet, Maria has never been scheduled there, and you think that somehow makes sense? Jelena is the #2 player in the world, higher than Maria, soooo why is Maria getting special treatment?

 

[YellowSubmarine]

My guess would be that Maria Sharapova is a brand product, a bi-product of Tennis. Her popularity and her name are widely acknowledged, and of course, she's fricken hot, even if she is Lesbian like Mauresmo.

 

[Breaker]

Wimbledon doesn't do court scheduling for the USO. The USO is not a part of this discussion. Venus has 4X the number of trophies at this tournament and Serena has twice as many than Maria. Yet, Maria has never been scheduled there, and you think that somehow makes sense? Jelena is the #2 player in the world, higher than Maria, soooo why is Maria getting special treatment?

The difference, I believe, is that Venus and Serena in the past few years have come into Wimbledon ranked much lower than Maria. So in early rounds they have a higher possibility of being sent to court 2 than does Sharapova. Also, Sharapova has been the better more consistent player since the end of '04, so they probably feel she deserves the two main show courts while Venus and Serena do not (it's not like they're completely off base either..).

Jelena had already played twice on show courts and wasn't very impressive in her win on centre court and it was obvious she wouldn't be at 100% going into the round of 16, whereas Kuznetsova and Radwanska only had one chance at show courts before the 16's AND was a matchup between two fairly high seeds that looked to be much more competitive than Jankovic's match. Only two women's matches can be played on show courts so the reasoning isn't that hard to imagine.

 

[charlottefromca]

I think its hilarious that venus got drawn into the whole argument simply by association.. hilarious, probably wasn't the first time or the last time

 

[willgonase10]

The top men sell more tickets so they get the better courts.

Not really. The Williams Sisters sell a lot more tickets and have higher TV ratings than even Federer.

 

[TheTruth]

Not really. The Williams Sisters sell a lot more tickets and have higher TV ratings than even Federer.

I know. And they have consistently had higher ratings for years. It's not about popularity. Tennis fans may know Maria, Federer, and even Rafa. But everybody knows the Williams Sisters, even those who don't follow tennis. The arguments for them being delegated to court 2 is faulty, but people believe what they want to believe!

 

[charlottefromca]

I agree, my dad doesn't watch any tennis, but he knows who Serena, Venus and Sharapova are..

Thats all. No Federer, Nadal, etc.