Novak Djokovic saying women tennis players should receive less prize money than men

[sportinguista]

Because they have less spectators apparently. Is it me or does this just devalue women's sport?

[itllallbefine]

I kind of agree with you aussiemum - this is the thinking that allowed Michelle Wie to compete in some male PGA tour events. The general reaction to that was that it wasn't fair then that men didn't get to compete in the women's events....

I don't think there's any doubt that women could not compete on the mens tennis tour, www.theguardian.com/observer/osm/story/0,,543962,00.html

[EBearhug]

No-one complains that JK Rowling makes more money than Ian Mckellen. She generates more money, simple as that.

That's probably partly because one is an author and the other an actor, which is not quite the same comparison as a male tennis player and a female tennis player. I don't know what their comparative incomes are.

Ino any case, it's not that simple. She originally published as JK instead of Joanna because they were worried having a clearly female name on the cover would mean boys wouldn't read it. There are things done for reasons relating to sexism and inequality wherever you are, not just in sport.

[MrNoseybonk]

How do you know men are better? When do they get a chance to prove themselves?

Don't know a lot about tennis, but I'm sure I remember reading that the better William's sister would beat all but maybe the top 4 in the men's game.
I assumed that men serve and hit faster than women, but then read this, which is intereting: www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/2014/09/sabine_lisicki_record_serve_science_explains_why_female_tennis_players_can.html

[Lweji]

derxa

Notice that I said some sports and then gave an example of chess.
Obviously, Bolt is better than anyone else but that's just one extreme example that does not make your case. That is pure speed.

I have some experience of combat and I used to practice with men. I couldn't possibly win against a big direct blow by a much stronger man. BUT I was faster and could maneuver more easily. Many men underestimated me and the other women there. In one occasion a group (who was not used to us) avoided pairing up with the women. Because we weren't the delicate flowers they expected.
In many sports that don't rely mostly on speed or strength, women are likely to achieve just as much as men, if they train as much during their lifetime and are given competition at the same level throughout.
The girl at my son's football team simply won't have the same opportunities as the boys if she decides to pursue football. Football relies more on skill than strength or speed, although those help. Many good players are not particularly strong or fast.

[itllallbefine]

Don't know a lot about tennis, but I'm sure I remember reading that the better William's sister would beat all but maybe the top 4 in the men's game

Actually I think they would not win against a top 300 player, see previous link. SW herself said that she "probably would not win a point" against Andy Murray.

[grimbletart]

Andy Murray has reiterated his views in favour of equal pay. He is a great feminist ally in terms of sport. Follows women's tennis as well as men's and is on record as stating that his favourite player is Agnieszka Radwańska because of her style of play. He took a lot of stick when he appointed a female coach but despite swapping Lendl for Mauresmo has remained at No 2 in the world.

He also said some time ago that he didn't see why female players could not play 5 sets at the slams as it offers more chance for comeback and he sees no problems in terms of stamina.

Conversely, Billy-Jean King thinks men shouldn't play 5 sets at the slams - both sexes should play 3 - as 5 puts a major strain on the body and injuries can shorten careers. (Not true obviously in the case of Federer ).

[Lweji]

Have any top women played against any top men, recently?
Even in training?

[Mide7]

Not tennis but the top female snooker player recently entered qualifying for some top men's tournament didn't she? She didn't win but I hope she gets the chance again.

[derxa]

Andy Murray has reiterated his views in favour of equal pay. He is a great feminist ally in terms of sport. Follows women's tennis as well as men's and is on record as stating that his favourite player is Agnieszka Radwańska because of her style of play. He took a lot of stick when he appointed a female coach but despite swapping Lendl for Mauresmo has remained at No 2 in the world.
Love Andy. Novak not so much...
Not tennis but the top female snooker player recently entered qualifying for some top men's tournament didn't she? She didn't win but I hope she gets the chance again.
I hope so too.

[derxa]

Andy Murray has reiterated his views in favour of equal pay. He is a great feminist ally in terms of sport. Follows women's tennis as well as men's and is on record as stating that his favourite player is Agnieszka Radwańska because of her style of play. He took a lot of stick when he appointed a female coach but despite swapping Lendl for Mauresmo has remained at No 2 in the world.
Love Andy. Novak not so much...
Not tennis but the top female snooker player recently entered qualifying for some top men's tournament didn't she? She didn't win but I hope she gets the chance again.
I hope so too.

[Lweji]

The former ladies champion lost 20-8 to Ken Doherty in qualifying. There will (was?) another attempt by the current champion in Sheffield.

Personally, I don't think one game and one player means much. A true picture can only emerge from more games and more people. And to continue as more women participate in the sport at professional level.

[Mide7]

You're probably right lweji, I know very little about snooker but remember it being talked about.

It doesn't mean much but it's a start and a step in the right direction

[Lweji]

Ups, 10-8!

[MrNoseybonk]

The darts player Anastasia Dobromyslova joined the men's tour.
I think she won one game, against a top male player, and mostly held her own. Plenty of male players compete without winning much.
But like you say, she's one person.

[Lweji]

Ups, 10-8!

[sportinguista]

Lweji, yes to your post above about martial arts etc. I used to do martial arts and in one group I was the only woman as its not one that's popular with women. It relied though heavily on movement and agility. I also have really flexible joints so could get out of holds etc with ease. The men there treated me as an equal and we all enjoyed learning and practising together. Eventually other women joined and there was no different treatment given to them.

It's a case of women don't always get a chance to compete with men. Yes we don't have the same strength but I'd strongly refute that we don't have the capability for the same skills it would be like saying women are less intelligent than men or something as medieval as that.

[Childrenofthestones]

Lweji
The male player Karsten Braasch, ranked 203, beat the Williams sisters back to back in two matches in one afternoon.
He said he started the day off with a round of golf and a couple of shandies with his lunch before going on court.
One of the sisters requested the match but afaik have never repeated the experiment after getting her fingers burned.
I think it's called choosing your battles.