It is quite a juxtaposition: Federer, the biggest star in men’s tennis, taking a break while Williams, the biggest star in women’s tennis, returns to action. Though there are distinctions, men’s tennis and women’s tennis are viewed as the same product by many who tune in only during the year’s biggest tournaments. (Wimbledon started in 1877 with only men’s singles but added women’s singles in 1884). “The women’s tournament has kicked the tail of the men’s tournament,” Darren Cahill, Halep’s coach, said when asked to compare them. The key point is that together, united and for equal rewards when they share the same stages, women’s tennis and men’s tennis are better off in the long run.

Source: New York Times January 29, 2018 19:09 UTC