Wimbledon asks: Should we fix ‘sexist’ court policy?
WIMBLEDON chiefs are to address claims of sexism in the way matches are scheduled.
The All-England Tennis Club is asking fans if they want to see an equal number of men’s and women’s games played on the showpiece Centre Court and No 1 Court. Analysis has shown the tournament has twice as many male matches as those featuring female players on the most prestigious courts.
Fans who have previously bought tickets have been sent a survey which asks: ‘What priority should be given to showing an equal number of gentleman’s and ladies’ matches on Centre Court and No 1 Court?’ Options range from ‘should not consider’ to ‘top priority’.
Research by tennis fan Mark Leyland exposed the gender imbalance. He said: ‘Tennis is one of the few sports where women get equal prize money and should, ideally, get equal prominence. For Wimbledon to neglect the women’s tournament is to go against that.’
At other Grand Slam tournaments, schedules are more or less equal.
Former champions including Andy Murray and Serena Williams have already backed calls for change. They were joined last night by 1977 champion Virginia Wade, but she cautioned: ‘The survey asks people who have previously bought tickets so they are probably happy with the way things are.’
Since 2007, the All-England Club has awarded equal prize money to the men’s and women’s champion.
Officials said scheduling decisions were made ‘in the best interests of the tournament’.