Equality on the Tennis Courts

Men vs. Women

Equality among men and women have long been a standing issue. Over the years, I believe the situation has gone better with women in society getting better treatments. Of course, women are never satisfied. (Which sidetracks me to Roberto Cavalli's flirtatious question for Miss Mexico at the Miss Universe 2008 Pageant, "When is a woman truly satisfied?") (Peace to all women out there! (^o^)v) And it is no different on the tennis courts. Women players, spearheaded by the great Billie Jean King, have been clamoring for equal prize money between the men's and women's tournaments. And a couple years back , they exactly just got that.

While watching ACE, Star Sports' Tennis Magazine Show, last night, a feature on the finer details of equality made me smile. Here's the financial earnings report of reigning Wimbledon Champions Rafael Nadal and Venus Williams compared.

                    Rafael Nadal     Venus Williams
Earnings (Pounds)                 750,000            850,000 (Singles + Doubles)
Minutes on Court                    1114                1029
Earnings/Minute                    ~673                ~826

I guess it's now the men's turn to feel aggrieved! hehehe ^^ Rafael Nadal spent more minutes on the court but earned less compared to Venus Williams! (Side note: It's not bad to be a tennis player no? Spoken with a Rafa-like accent)

I think issues on equality among men and women will never end. The world is, was, and never will be equal. However, even after having said that, I guess what's really important is learning how to treat everyone fairly.

Read more on what Jon Henderson has to say at The Observer.

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