26. “IT’S DIFFERENT FOR GIRLS”

Whilst I acknowledge, but certainly don’t accept, that inequality exists in this world, there are certain behaviours that women are continually exposed to that should be prohibited, even in the world of tennis.

Now I understand that different cultures exist and what is acceptable in one country might not be acceptable in another, but the tennis governing bodies should at least try to ensure that women’s tournaments are only staged in countries/at venues, that respect the female athlete and do not expose her to behaviours which are insulting and demeaning. For sure the players need to respect rules that might exist about, ‘appropriate’ clothing in countries that do not approve of shorts, exposed heads etc for example, but when they are at work i.e. on the court, they should be able to wear their ‘work clothes’ and not feel intimidated. 

In some countries however, the worst ‘culprits’ are the event organisers/sponsors themselves who seem to take delight in preying upon young women players who are far from home, often alone; sometimes very young; and all of whom are simply fighting to earn a living. I have heard of instances where female players are offered wild cards in return for sexual ‘favours’; are requested to dance for the sponsors and offered money for their ‘best moves’; players who are invited out for expensive meals but for which there is definitely ‘a price’ as there is ‘’no such thing as a free lunch”! My player has herself been ‘interviewed’ by a high-profile, elderly male who was clearly checking out her ‘eligibility’/willingness to be ‘bought’. Fortunately, my player is switched on and could see what was happening so purposely ‘failed the interview’ but others may not realise what is happening or be so desperate as to go with it. 

So, parents, be aware that this kind of behaviour happens and advise and tutor your players accordingly. The female should not be exposed to this kind of scenario but they will be and need to be prepared and know how to respond. Complaints to the governing body, such as the ITF, are useful but from experience, they tend to fall on deaf ears as we have learned that they are unlikely to intervene, as they simply want the tournament to go ahead, and if sponsors pull out because certain behaviours are questioned then the events are in jeopardy. Sad but true. But surely such sexist and demeaning behaviours should be addressed whatever the situation?

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