[roundman]

When it comes to choosing which women play on Centre Court, good looks count for more than big shots.

While a succession of easy-on-the-eye unknowns have appeared in Wimbledon's prime arena, the top women's seeds have been relegated to lesser courts.

And last night, the All England Club admitted that physical attractiveness is taken into consideration.

Spokesman Johnny Perkins said: 'Good looks are a factor.'

The fact that many seats remained empty for the Cirstea-Azarenka clash implies that the knowledgeable SW19 crowd were underwhelmed by the tennis on offer.

Which would suggest that attractive players are placed on Centre to titillate the BBC television audience, some of whom care more for a pretty face than a powerful forehand.

A BBC source said: 'It's the Wimbledon play committee, not us who decides on the order of play.

'But obviously it's advantageous to us if there are good-looking women players on Centre Court.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...tre-Court.html

[bikersfan]

I personally have no problem with this.

Court placement is about getting the biggest audience, and they have a pretty good idea (most of the time) what those factors are.

[secondmertg]

A BBC source said: 'It's the Wimbledon play committee, not us who decides on the order of play.

I think Justin Gimelstob just found his next career move.

[roundman]

I think Justin Gimelstob just found his next career move.

[Blacksheepaalredy]

thanks Ti!

and I knew it!

Razzano/Schiavone on court 18 follows that rationale. Had they been able to make them play on an underground court,they would have!!!!!!

[secondmertg]

I'm confused by this part of the article:

The fact that many seats remained empty for the Cirstea-Azarenka clash implies that the knowledgeable SW19 crowd were underwhelmed by the tennis on offer.

Are they saying Cirstea is not attractive? I know many people feel Vika is not a babe, but I certainly find her attractive.

[roundman]

It's an insult to female athletes IMO. And while a casual fan may stop and look at a pretty face if the tennis sucks then they won't look again. The article mentions the empty seats during one of the "pretty girl" matches so what is the reasoning behind this? It can't be to grow the sport.

[roundman]

I'm confuse by this part of the article:

The fact that many seats remained empty for the Cirstea-Azarenka clash implies that the knowledgeable SW19 crowd were underwhelmed by the tennis on offer.

Are they saying Cirstea is not attractive? I know many people feel Vika is not a babe, but I certainly find her attractive.

I think it means that knowledgeable tennis fans went to watch better quality tennis.

[TheBest-Host]

The Daily Mail? A look at their headlines and it seems they sensationalize even legitimate stories.

Did they mention the fact that they try to get all the alleged contenders onto Centre Court before the semis?

They take something true - the Wimbledon Committee has tended to treat the ladies tour as the inferior product - and stretch it.

They think Azarenka is a contender. Cirstea just had a great run at RG. But, Cirstea is pretty, so that must be the reason she was on Centre court.

And I don't care if they quote people. Doesn't make this the whole story.

The National Enquirer quoted Venus and Serena's cousin when they accused Richard Williams of match fixing. Didn't make that true either.

[Super-Luser]

IMO even Venus match would have had a half empty stadium in between Roger's and Murray's matches. Spectators usually want to eat and move around a bit as well.

[Assunkkensatt]

I'm confused by this part of the article:

The fact that many seats remained empty for the Cirstea-Azarenka clash implies that the knowledgeable SW19 crowd were underwhelmed by the tennis on offer.

Are they saying Cirstea is not attractive? I know many people feel Vika is not a babe, but I certainly find her attractive.

Vika is ok. I think her nose overwhelms her face but other than that she's ok.

It's an insult to female athletes IMO. And while a casual fan may stop and look at a pretty face if the tennis sucks then they won't look again. The article mentions the empty seats during one of the "pretty girl" matches so what is the reasoning behind this? It can't be to grow the sport.

Agree 100%

Foxy

[celddiskend]

It's an insult to female athletes IMO. And while a casual fan may stop and look at a pretty face if the tennis sucks then they won't look again. The article mentions the empty seats during one of the "pretty girl" matches so what is the reasoning behind this? It can't be to grow the sport.

Why is it that the men have no problems with the perks that come with being handsome but the women do? Marat retains all his contracts even though he is far from worthy of them. Feliciano has contracts that are in no way justifiable if you take into account his ranking. Adidas has a clear policy of signing telegenic female players. Just look at the current Adidas team: Wozniacky, Ivanovic, Cirstea, Chakvetadze (is she really worthy of that contract?). I know, they also have Dinara. But that contract has been on-going for long.
And I never heard the ATP saying anything about the special treatment for some of the better looking players: Moya, Rafter, Goran.
I remember when women complained about the use of fashion models at the Madrid Masters, and when somebody, tongue-in-cheek, said "Why don't they use male models for the women's tournament?" I seem to remember the organizers said "GREAT IDEA!"
I know, it is not fair for (introduce politically incorrect female player's name here). But it is a reality.

[freddystone]

If gender parity is a consideration (as in parity of looks between the sexes), will someone explain to me why Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka got Centre Court? If shallow "looks" are the primary consideration, taking the Brit aspect out of it, come on...

[roundman]

I'm guessing that no one cares about endorsements Marat or F-Lo have with outside concerns because it doesn't affect their court assignments during a major.

For example under the concept of "Pretty Girl" tennis where would Steffi Graf be assigned to play in todays world.

[Super-Luser]

For example under the concept of "Pretty Girl" tennis where would Steffi Graf be assigned to play in todays world.

Steffi was pretty. At least compared to certain current top 10 players.

[freddystone]

I'm guessing that no one cares about endorsements Marat or F-Lo have with outside concerns because it doesn't affect their court assignments during a major.

It's clear that you do not work for either the Russian Psychiatric Association or Maybelline...

[TheBest-Host]

The story is bs, IMO.

Centre Court -

Day 1:

Serena

Day 2:

Venus

Day 3:

Maria

Day 4:

Wozniacki

Day 5:

Azarenka

Day 6:

Venus

Day 7:

Safina (not to mention Mauresmo)

What do all these women have in common?

They are past champions, or projected future stars (who are already in the top 10).

The real story is why there is only one woman's match on Centre Court each day. That goes back to Wimbledon considering the WTA the inferior product. But, the spin this article came up with is bunk.

[secondmertg]

For example under the concept of "Pretty Girl" tennis where would Steffi Graf be assigned to play in todays world.

Forget Steffi, six time defending champion Martina Navratilova would be opening the defense of her title on Court 18.

And I'd be happy with that!

[GueseVekdet]

I agree with Ti. This is shameful. I keep looking at court assignments and Roger plays on centre court everytime while Venus has been relegated to other courts. That's just not right in my book, and whoever makes the decisions should be ashamed!

TA

[Blacksheepaalredy]

The only reason Dinara got her Adidas endorsement is because of Marat,
who he is endorsed by....Adidas.

She deserves sponsors with her titles and ranking but that one, I/m sure came solely because her big bro.