What do you think it takes for the WTA to be in same respect level as ATP

[Elektra]

This notion of women's tennis less interesting then men, is a myth cause women's tennis is interesting when you have the right competition and players pushing each other. To me I don't think the women are working to push each other the way ATP players are doing.

People were as equally interested in Chrissie and Martina then they were in Borg and McEnroe.What do you think it takes for the WTA to generate the kind of fanbase and crowd drawing like ATP?

 

[Tennis_Hands]

Holding serve is a good place to start.

 

[Bukowski]

A complete degradation of outdated ideology and commenters who lack an objective viewpoint. I think the ATP is headed in the same direction as the WTA- 1 dimensional boring players to watch resulting from newly introduced technology and homogenized court speeds.

 

[Deleted member 688153]

I'm considering stopping watching tennis once Fed retires. I already barely pay attention outside of Fed.

I'll continue to play tennis regularly and at a high level for fun and fitness, but it looks like dark times ahead for the pro game.

 

[Mr.Lob]

This notion of women's tennis less interesting then men, is a myth cause women's tennis is interesting when you have the right competition and players pushing each other. To me I don't think the women are working to push each other the way ATP players are doing.

People were as equally interested in Chrissie and Martina then they were in Borg and McEnroe.What do you think it takes for the WTA to generate the kind of fanbase and crowd drawing like ATP?

Rivalries. You only get that with a strong and consistent top 5. Also, though it doesn't bother me... much, a lot of fans are bothered by the SHRIEKS and Blood Curdling Screams of WTA players. Offer earplugs to the viewing public, I suppose. A few cat fights now and then wouldn't hurt either... to widen the fanbase.

 

[MichaelNadal]

An open mind and sense of decency.

 

[Midaso240]

You'd probably need a player who is a quadruple threat - dominant on the court,good looking,English as a first language,charismatic/likeable and then you'd need a rival,a yin to their yang to be cast as the villain. So basically another Chrissie/Martina is what I'm saying. Maria/Serena could have been that if Maria had been more competitive in the H2H...

 

[Elektra]

Holding serve is a good place to start.

I think women are capable of holding serve the problem is that it is not emphasized enough in women's game and also women have improper technique and need to learn how to control their toss motion. The women get more erratic with their toss.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

I think women are capable of holding serve the problem is that it is not emphasized enough in women's game and also women have improper technique and need to learn how to control their toss motion. The women get more erratic with their toss.

Yes.

It is a short way of saying that there is a plethora of problems most women should work on.

You outlined some of them.

Some of them are the mental side of how they envisage their game: the counter-puncher mentality, derived from the "you hurt me, I will show you now" catfight mentality.

 

[Elektra]

Yes.

It is a short way of saying that there is a plethora of problems most women should work on.

You outlined some of them.

Some of them are the mental side of how they envisage their game: the counter-puncher mentality, derived from the "you hurt me, I will show you now" catfight mentality.

Wasn't always the case cause women tennis players were more classical and worked to construct points. Today I don't think women tennis players have much imagination or vision. I don't think the women work to challenge themselves or feed on each other.

 

[Dolgopolov85]

Wasn't always the case cause women tennis players were more classical and worked to construct points. Today I don't think women tennis players have much imagination or vision. I don't think the women work to challenge themselves or feed on each other.

In the wooden racquet era, both tours had baseliners as well as serve volleyers. With graphite, their trajectories diverged as all court tennis continued to be relevant for much longer in the men's game. There has been a thrust on power tennis in the women's game since late 90s where they are made to bulk up and movement is sacrificed. This is largely responsible for the proliferation of baseline ball bashing in the WTA. But as said above, men's tennis is headed that way. Witness great new hope Zverev - serve not as good as it can be for his height and terrible net game. Rublev, Thiem are mindless ball bashers too. In a few years, equality between the two games will be achieved when both go to the dogs.

 

[Devin]

Less grunting (don't know if you can even call it that) and players with good consistency are the first two things that come to mind.

But WTA is similar to ATP now, inconsistent players with one dimensional games. I hope that changes, but it's not foreseeable.

 

[JackGates]

They need to grow some balls .

 

[Thriller]

This notion of women's tennis less interesting then men, is a myth cause women's tennis is interesting when you have the right competition and players pushing each other. To me I don't think the women are working to push each other the way ATP players are doing.

People were as equally interested in Chrissie and Martina then they were in Borg and McEnroe.What do you think it takes for the WTA to generate the kind of fanbase and crowd drawing like ATP?

Respect? By whom?

Tournament organisers? It is already there as reflected by equal prize money for men and women at all the slams.

Fans in general?

The WTA is the global leader in women’s professional sport with more than 2,500 players representing nearly 100 nations competing for a record $146 million in prize money. The 2018 WTA competitive season includes 54 events and four Grand Slams in 30 countries. In 2017, the WTA was watched around the world by a total TV audience of 500 million. The 2018 WTA competitive season concludes with the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global from October 21-28, 2018 and the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai, China from October 30-November 4, 2018

http://www.wtatennis.com/about-wta

Basement dwelling *****s on TT?

Respect will never happen. They are far too angry with women in general for other reasons.

 

[ibbi]

I don't think 'interest' is any kind of argument. The drama in the WTA is a whole other kind than the ATP. Will she hold her nerve, will she drag herself out of her meltdown, it's almost less sport, and more melodrama.

Purely in terms of respect it will probably never happen because they're not as good. They don't get as many first serves in, they don't serve as well in general (so many of the female players don't even serve properly, why do you think nobody holds? Cibulkova and Hsieh just played a 10 game first set with 9 breaks of serve. They just throw the ball in the air and hit it.) they don't hit as hard, they don't have the same variety of shots (and we bemoan how the mens game has less of that than it used to) they don't move as well, more unforced errors, more double faults, generally worse winner to error ratios, and they lose their heads and prove totally unable to get it back way more than the men do.

Objectively it just isn't as good, and until it is there's no reason to assume it will achieve the same sort of level of respect. It's still the premier female sport on the planet, and it can still be mightily entertaining to watch in its own way, the actual tennis just isn't as good.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

I don't think 'interest' is any kind of argument. The drama in the WTA is a whole other kind than the ATP. Will she hold her nerve, will she drag herself out of her meltdown, it's almost less sport, and more melodrama.

Purely in terms of respect it will probably never happen because they're not as good. They don't get as many first serves in, they don't serve as well in general (so many of the female players don't even serve properly, why do you think nobody holds? Cibulkova and Hsieh just played a 10 game first set with 9 breaks of serve. They just throw the ball in the air and hit it.) they don't hit as hard, they don't have the same variety of shots (and we bemoan how the mens game has less of that than it used to) they don't move as well, more unforced errors, more double faults, generally worse winner to error ratios, and they lose their heads and prove totally unable to get it back way more than the men do.

Objectively it just isn't as good, and until it is there's no reason to assume it will achieve the same sort of level of respect. It's still the premier female sport on the planet, and it can still be mightily entertaining to watch in its own way, the actual tennis just isn't as good.

I just saw a list over most equal sports in the world and ski sports got equal pay and interest for the sport. Yes the men moves faster and also longer. But still the sport draw a lot of attention for the women side and its just as popular as the mens.

Here in Norway we have female commentators (as well as men) for WC. In the beginning I found it unfamiliar, but now everybody here loves it. The female commentators doing really well and are just as good as the men. This also draws more attention to female football.

Think a lot of this have to do w what we are used to seeing. The excitement for competition is the same for males and females.

 

[Shaolin]

Real volleys

Much less screaming

Less choking

 

[tacou]

if you mean respect from TT, probably nothing.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

if you mean respect from TT, probably nothing.

Showing more boobs could be something to draw their attention though.

 

[Hmgraphite1]

There are matches that command the same respect, watch a tournament, early rounds to final, there are awesome matches,
Your generalization of 'wta' is a non starter just going in one level to different matches, going another level to sets, games, points and you see just as much respect is deserved. Does atp deliver on every match, every set, every game, every point as whole. Are you looking 'on average' why ?

 

[TagUrIt]

WOW!! I’m a guy (despite my avatar) and even I find your question sexist as hell. What does it takes for the WTA to be on the same level? I don’t see any shortage or people in the stands at major WTA events. I actually watch more WTA than I do ATP. Yeah the guys are crushing serves and the the sets are longer, but that in no way shape or form discredits the amazing female athletes that go out and perform on a consistent basis. I’m not a huge fan of all the screaming either, but these ladies and their division deserve just as much recognition as the men’s side. I’m gonna go check my calendar for what year we’re living in, yeah just what I thought 2018 not 1973.

 

[Jackuar]

Well, stop eating bakery products, stop shrieking, and have 5 players who are consistent at least for 2 years. That would be a good start.

 

[Hmgraphite1]

Well, stop eating bakery products, stop shrieking, and have 5 players who are consistent at least for 2 years. That would be a good start.

Clearly the wta doesn't need respect from an imbecile

 

[speedysteve]

An end to mysogny

 

[Tennis_Hands]

WOW!! I’m a guy (despite my avatar) and even I find your question sexist as hell. What does it takes for the WTA to be on the same level? I don’t see any shortage or people in the stands at major WTA events. I actually watch more WTA than I do ATP. Yeah the guys are crushing serves and the the sets are longer, but that in no way shape or form discredits the amazing female athletes that go out and perform on a consistent basis. I’m not a huge fan of all the screaming either, but these ladies and their division deserve just as much recognition as the men’s side. I’m gonna go check my calendar for what year we’re living in, yeah just what I thought 2018 not 1973.

It is good that you are satisfied with the WTA spectacle, but I think that is a question for those, who aren't for some reason.

 

[tennisenthusiast]

You should ask @SystemicAnomaly and @THUNDERVOLLEY for comments on this thread

 

[Steve0904]

I don't think 'interest' is any kind of argument. The drama in the WTA is a whole other kind than the ATP. Will she hold her nerve, will she drag herself out of her meltdown, it's almost less sport, and more melodrama.

Purely in terms of respect it will probably never happen because they're not as good. They don't get as many first serves in, they don't serve as well in general (so many of the female players don't even serve properly, why do you think nobody holds? Cibulkova and Hsieh just played a 10 game first set with 9 breaks of serve. They just throw the ball in the air and hit it.) they don't hit as hard, they don't have the same variety of shots (and we bemoan how the mens game has less of that than it used to) they don't move as well, more unforced errors, more double faults, generally worse winner to error ratios, and they lose their heads and prove totally unable to get it back way more than the men do.

Objectively it just isn't as good, and until it is there's no reason to assume it will achieve the same sort of level of respect. It's still the premier female sport on the planet, and it can still be mightily entertaining to watch in its own way, the actual tennis just isn't as good.

Harsh, but I agree. That said, there's nothing wrong with women's tennis. I loved watching Henin and Clijsters among many others, and I'm watching the women right now, but I think you've really hit the nail on the head. The serving part in particular. Sharapova hits 10 DFs a match, Dementieva used to have really bad serving troubles. Ivanovic the same, and how many women do you see that have to toss up the ball a second or third time to get it right? A lot.

And as you said, a proper slice or any semblance of net play is still more rare among the women even with the lack of it in the men's game right now. A proper slice was one of the reasons I liked Henin so much, and I still like watching Venus use the net at Wimbledon.

It's just lower quality. It doesn't mean it's bad, but if I have a choice then I'm watching the men's game. It's all mind set really though. You can't watch the women and compare them to the men. You're better off taking the women's game on its own.

 

[BrokenGears]

Look at people trying to defend the WTA lol

WTA sucks and woman’s tennis is unwatchable and will never be as popular as the ATP ever again

 

[J011yroger]

I thought the ladies' final at the French was better than the Men's.

Unfortunately that's an outlier.

I liked women's tennis better in the 90s.

J

 

[George Turner]

WOW!! I’m a guy (despite my avatar) and even I find your question sexist as hell. What does it takes for the WTA to be on the same level? I don’t see any shortage or people in the stands at major WTA events. I actually watch more WTA than I do ATP. Yeah the guys are crushing serves and the the sets are longer, but that in no way shape or form discredits the amazing female athletes that go out and perform on a consistent basis. I’m not a huge fan of all the screaming either, but these ladies and their division deserve just as much recognition as the men’s side. I’m gonna go check my calendar for what year we’re living in, yeah just what I thought 2018 not 1973.

We have a male feminist aka "beta male" here.

Feminist cliche checklist.

-Uses the word "sexist" - check
-"I prefer watching women" - check
-Claims the female athletes are consistent, when they often lose against randoms and receive bakery products - check
-Reminds us it's 2018 - check

You're doing good, keep it up.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

If there is a player like Hingis or Henin, I will probably be interested/watching (of course not at the expense of my hearing and such).

 

[robthai]

2002-2009 wta was good. post 2010 its been all downhill.

 

[tennisaddict]

The truth is men’s challenger leveloffers a better brand of tennis than WTA

 

[Aussie Darcy]

Well, stop eating bakery products, stop shrieking, and have 5 players who are consistent at least for 2 years. That would be a good start.

Lmao. Male number 3 in the world Alex Zverev was bagelled 6-0 in the 3R of Wimbledon. That’s also the second time this year he’s been bagelled at a slam after losing 6-0 to Chung at the Aus Open. But it’s just the women that eat bakery products and aren’t consistent hey?

What a joke.

The amount of people on this forum who blindly attack the women’s tour when the men’s tour is so poor in depth at the moment is an absolute joke.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

The truth is men’s challenger leveloffers a better brand of tennis than WTA

Too bad they do not wear skirts.

Here is an interesting idea.

How is the Scottish Challenger circuit going?

 

[Purplemonster]

The truth is men’s challenger leveloffers a better brand of tennis than WTA

Try college or high school boys

 

[TagUrIt]

We have a male feminist aka "beta male" here.

Feminist cliche checklist.

-Uses the word "sexist" - check
-"I prefer watching women" - check
-Claims the female athletes are consistent, when they often lose against randoms and receive bakery products - check
-Reminds us it's 2018 - check

You're doing good, keep it up.

I won’t try to prove my Alpha Male-ness on message board. I know who I am and don’t I don’t need to prove that to anyone or attack others to feel good about myself. It’s a ridiculous argument that the WTA simply isn’t as good because “women’s tennis” seriously guys? It saddens me the lack of respect some of you show the women athletes. We are much better than this. SMH

 

[Red Rick]

I'm considering stopping watching tennis once Fed retires. I already barely pay attention outside of Fed.

I'll continue to play tennis regularly and at a high level for fun and fitness, but it looks like dark times ahead for the pro game.

Are you even a fan of the game?

 

[Deleted member 756486]

Are you even a fan of the game?

I know you don’t like Fed but you can’t deny that tennis is gonna take a nosedive without him.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

I won’t try to prove my Alpha Male-ness on message board. I know who I am and don’t I don’t need to prove that to anyone or attack others to feel good about myself. It’s a ridiculous argument that the WTA simply isn’t as good because “women’s tennis” seriously guys? It saddens me the lack of respect some of you show the women athletes. We are much better than this. SMH

So, what is your next move?

Your place is already taken, and no dice.

People still don't/will not change their views about the quality of the tennis WTA produces.

It is unfortunate that WTA is associated with women, but what can you do.

They even put it in their name.

 

[Thriller]

Lmao. Male number 3 in the world Alex Zverev was bagelled 6-0 in the 3R of Wimbledon. That’s also the second time this year he’s been bagelled at a slam after losing 6-0 to Chung at the Aus Open. But it’s just the women that eat bakery products and aren’t consistent hey?

What a joke.

The amount of people on this forum who blindly attack the women’s tour when the men’s tour is so poor in depth at the moment is an absolute joke.

4 out of 10 in the ATP have won a slam ... and two of those are geriatrics who first won slams in 2003 and 2005.

7 of the top 10 in the WTA have won a slam and all 10 have been dumped out of the tournament by hungry, talented, lower ranked players.

And as we speak, yet another meek ATP lamb is being ritually slaughtered on centre court without a fight.

And some of these posters would have you believe the ATP is more competitive lol.

 

[Purplemonster]

How the WTA can improve :

1. Hold serve.
2. Hit the ball to the side of your opponent, not just mindless smacking down the middle.
3. Slice the ball.
4. Try to volley.
5. Don't scream or shriek.
6. Play best of 5 sets.
7. Don't choke.
8. Put spin on the ball.
9. Lose weight.
10. Hold serve.
11. Hold serve.

 

[Deleted member 756486]

The only thing I don’t like about the WTA is the shrieking.

Women’s tennis isn’t as bad as some make it out to be but that’s very annoying.

 

[Purplemonster]

4 out of 10 in the ATP have won a slam ... and two of those are geriatrics who first won slams in 2003 and 2005.

7 of the top 10 in the WTA have won a slam and all 10 have been dumped out of the tournament by hungry, talented, lower ranked players.

And as we speak, yet another meek ATP lamb is being ritually slaughtered on centre court without a fight.

And some of these posters would have you believe the ATP is more competitive lol.

Tells you something about the level of consistency of the WTA.

 

[Username_]

 

[Thriller]

Tells you something about the level of consistency of the WTA.

Tells you about the strength in depth and competitiveness. Gone are the days when Graf, Navratilova and Evert only had to wake up on semi finals day and women't tennis was as woefully predictable as the current ATP. Fed wins Wimbledon Rafa wins the French Open repeat and rinse .....

 

[Aussie Darcy]

Tells you something about the level of consistency of the WTA.

Congratulations. The men’s tour is being dominated by the same two players who were winning in 2005. A 38 year old #2 just bagelled a player in the 4R of a slam and I tuned out cause I was so bored. Every young player manages to choke or fail from Thiem to Zverev to Kyrgios to Dimitrov to Tomic. The list goes on, in 2 months there won’t be a single slam champ under the age of 30 on the men’s tour. But really, congrats on Fed and Nadal being consistent because every future star on the men’s tour isn’t. What’s going to happen when they’re gone though? Nobody is going to care about the men’s tour.

 

[George Turner]

I won’t try to prove my Alpha Male-ness on message board. I know who I am and don’t I don’t need to prove that to anyone or attack others to feel good about myself. It’s a ridiculous argument that the WTA simply isn’t as good because “women’s tennis” seriously guys? It saddens me the lack of respect some of you show the women athletes. We are much better than this. SMH

Calling another poster "sexist" is attacking them.

Feminist cliche checklist;

Acts like a hypocrite - check
Gets offended by everything - check

 

[jga111]

Fun rallies, unpredictable results. Grunts, screams and death stares. Legs and beautiful bum wiggles on ROS. What is there NOT to like in the WTA. I love it!

 

[Tennis_Hands]

Tells you about the strength in depth and competitiveness. Gone are the days when Graf, Navratilova and Evert only had to wake up on semi finals day and women't tennis was as woefully predictable as the current ATP. Fed wins Wimbledon Rafa wins the French Open repeat and rinse .....

Does it make any difference to you that those ladies had a whole arsenal of shots, compared to the current crop?

I mean, you say it like they won using magic, and, well, the current crop are just players, so how can they, for example, hold serve?