Even as seeds continue to topple at the Championships at Wimbledon, the heated debate for par winnings for both men and women rages on, as furiously as ever. Amidst weariness – read Federer and vexation – read the players’ council, Gilles Simon’s statements have led to rage coursing through; not only amongst the women tennis professionals, but also amongst fans as well.
Being diplomatic and being politically correct are two completely different aspects and aren’t always semantically similar. While the former allows one to express his feelings in the subtlest manner possible, the latter always doesn’t bode right at all situations. But there again, it’s indeed possible to combine the two facets and come up with a potent sub-text, without insulting or harming anyone’s sentiments.
In the case of Gilles Simon, though there isn’t anything wrong with him expressing his opinion – considering that he has been elected into the players’ council for the very purpose – the way in which he did so, rankled harder than any of his spoken words. But more than that, his comments presented him as a misogynist and as someone advocating a certain doctrine because of some personal vestigial beliefs. The fact that two female tennis players lambasted his statements – one even critiquing him on a personal front – goes to exemplify the extent of his miscalculated words.
Speaking to the media requires patience and a certain level of panache. Though, one might have strong opinions about certain issues – people can never always be ambivalent – while speaking in public, carefully considering others’ stead while voicing one’s stance, is good discretion. Not just because, it doesn’t hurt others’ sentiments, but also because, it prevents unnecessary undertones from spreading. Objectivity is an essential first; the absence of which can cost even the most straight-forward of persons to be faulted upon direly.
Between the lobbying delays of Gilles Simon and the rest of the players in the players’ council, there’s no denying about the shortchanging of women’s tennis. After all, as Marion Bartoli pointed out, even women invest the same amount of time, effort and money to play the sport and compete in the domain professionally.
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