Wimbledon: More women's matches than men's on show courts
Women's tennis received impetus as more women's matches were held on show courts, on Day 3 of Wimbledon, as compared to men's. This has happened for the first time in 25 years. 5-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams was quick to praise this much needed move by the event organizers. Here is more on the same.
Women's matches get the spotlight
On Wednesday, there were more women's matches than men's on six show courts. 11 women's matches were scheduled as against 10 men's ties. This, in turn, helped some of the top female players get the spotlight. On Centre Court and Court One, two women's matches, including Serena's fixture, were sold out. Centre Court saw three women's matches on Day 2.
Venus Williams salutes this move by Wimbledon organizers
Venus Williams praised this move by the organizers. She stated that she was overjoyed after she saw the schedule of Day 3. She, then, said that in the other three Slams, there is equal spotlight on both men and women. Venus also added that it was fantastic to see the grass-court Grand Slam following suit.
Wimbledon organizers have 'traditionally' favored male players
Wimbledon organizers have been criticized, over years, for favoring male stars especially with respect to the courts in which their matches are scheduled. While the male players get the main courts, women's section see lesser matches in the biggest stadiums at Wimbledon.
What does it mean for women's tennis?
Wimbledon chief executive Richard Lewis had defended the policy as he claimed that marquee players were always given priority and the event never discriminates on the basis of gender. It remains to be seen, how many more women's matches will be played on Wimbledon's top two courts. One would hope that the female stars get more recognition, which would help the sport to evolve.
