Mary C. Curtis

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The Only Contest That Counts at Wimbledon

Posted:

07/2/09

Filed Under:Woman Up

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Even though the world is changing, not much has changed in the world of women's tennis.

As Ria Misra laments, the spokesman for the All England Club has plainly stated, "Good looks are a factor" when scheduling matches for Centre Court at Wimbledon. Crowds will come to see lower-ranked players if they are judged eye candy. That's that.

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Who, I wonder, is the judge in this beauty contest? What is the standard? Do blondes trump brunettes, and does willowy win over more muscular frames? It's been a long time since Chris Evert – all ponytail and baseline strokes -- was promoted as the "good girl" over Martina Navratilova's athletic build and game. Anna Kournikova – who achieved greater modeling than tennis success – is semi-retired.

Women are hitting the gym now, working hard for a little muscle tone. Strength is attractive.

It's nice to know that the beauty contest hasn't been a distraction for everyone. Serena and Venus Williams – who look pretty good to me – have figured out that the best route to Centre Court is winning.

They will face each other in the finals.

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Mary C. Curtis

Mary C. Curtis, an NPR contributor based in Charlotte, N.C., was previously a writer and editor for The New York Times and the Charlotte Observer... more

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clpennz

10:21PM Jul 2nd 2009

"Who, I wonder, is the judge in this beauty contest?"
Probably some lecherous bushy-browed old farts.

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