Chris Evert’s suggestion to swap the days of the men’s and women’s final at Wimbledon has failed to generate any high-profile support on the first day of the Championships.
Evert, who won three titles at the Grass-Court major during her career, revived the debate over sexism at the event earlier this week. During an interview with The Times newspaper, she said that having the men’s final on the last day of the competition treated women like ‘second class citizens.’ The championships have a tradition of hosting the women’s final on the Saturday followed by the men’s on Sunday.
‘I think it [the final] could change. In a lot of ways, it’s a mirror of the world. It’s still a man’s world.” She said.
‘It’s definitely not equal right now and this is the time that we are having more and more conversations about equality.
‘Wimbledon are very traditional and historical. They are not going to make any radical change at this point and put the men on Saturday and the women on Sunday.’
Such radical idea would be huge at an event the prides itself on tradition. Wimbledon is the only tennis tournament in the world that requires players to wear all white clothing. A rule that dates back to the Victorian era when it was believed that wearing white was the best way to hide sweat.
‘I don’t really care’
On Monday at The All England Club there was little excitement about calls to change the schedule of the women’s final. Victoria Azarenka was one of the first players asked about the subject. WTA Council member Azarenka defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6(4), 6-3, in her first round match.
“I honestly don’t really care about it. I don’t know how much will it benefit.” The Belarusian said during her press conference.
“I’m sure she might have said that from a viewers’ perspective or from also the TV slots, but we have done that in US Open couple years. It was unusual circumstances when we played Sunday final first time with Serena instead of the Saturday, and it was really cool.
“I really doubt that Wimbledon will change their tradition, because that never happens.“
Caroline Wozniacki echoed Azarenka’s comments during her press conference. The Australian Open champion has previously spoken out about equal rights. Although in this case, she believes things should not be changed.
“Personally I think about the equality, I have no problem. It’s always one half or the other playing Monday or Tuesday.” She said after defeating Vavara Lepchenko 6-0, 6-3.
“It really doesn’t make a difference to me if you play Monday or Tuesday. In my opinion, for the men to start on Monday, in case the winner play on Monday, having a bit more time in case they go far and play five sets.
“In my opinion, playing on a Saturday finals is fine for me. It’s good.”
On the men’s tour, Marin Cilic has questioned if any potential changes would have an impact. Insisting that any decision should be up to the tournament and nobody else. Cilic defeated Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in his opening match.
“I think it’s on the tournament to decide about those things. I still think that ladies matches are followed extremely well. I’m also watch a lot of those matches.” He said.
“So I think the atmosphere any kind of the day it’s amazing and I think the tournament prepares it extremely nice for both men and women, as well.”
Wimbledon officials have confirmed that they currently have no plans of changing their scheduling.
