I wonder if there are any of you out there who are as outraged as I am about the coverage of the women at Wimbledon right now. The defending champion is playing great grass court tennis and not a single one of her matches has been broadcast. Instead, we have seen the matches of lower ranked women played over and over. Sharapova, the Williams sisters...that's about it right now. The champion is an out gay woman. The #1 ranked player in the world and the #1 seed has also not been broadcast. These are women with beautiful games, and outstanding athletic ability. But as I type, there is another match being broadcast of a Williams sister. 2nd time today they are broadcasting her match. Well at least she gets points from me for wearing shorts and not those a*s showing and completely ridiculous cocktail dresses.[font=Comic Sans Ms]

Unfortunately, the reality of watching US based networks cover the tennis is that we see the players they think will pull in the most viewers. This means an American, a former champion who is an American, or someone who is seen in ads all over the US media. It is a bit disconcerting that Justine and Amelie got so little coverage when they are the two favorites (even though Amelie has since gone out).

This has been the case for a very long time. In the 80s if it was not Chris or Martina, it got very little coverage on the women's side. Now there are a few more players to follow, but the rules are similar.

Good comentary, however, I would also add the american-centrism at work - It does not matter how good they are, only if they have a broad name recognition in the US will they get play time. It happens in the Olympics all the time. However your point about sexuality is well taken and I suspect that plays into the situation as well - possibly more than the non-US reality.

I'm really happy to see that my prediction about women's tennis attire is beginning to catch on--more and more women are dressing appropriately and comfortably in wearing shorts to play tennis. A dress for an athletic event?? gag. That went out with bowling skirts.