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Ivan Dodig, 7 time Grand Slam Champion in doubles recent quote during his acceptance speech at the French Open blasted his treatment at the tournament.
"I was sitting in the middle of some street in Paris, waiting for a taxi for 40 minutes, I was sad feeling like a tourist in Paris, and this tournament deserves to treat every champion how he deserves, and I hope next year you can do better"
Doubles players often find themselves on the fringes of the tennis world's attention, with the majority of resources directed towards the stars of singles competition.
Within the world of tennis, doubles players often find themselves relegated to the status of black sheep, overshadowed by their singles counterparts. Ivan Dodig, an accomplished seven-time doubles champion, recently voiced his frustration with the treatment of champions at the French Open, highlighting the disparity in pay, coverage, and attention that doubles players receive.
Are doubles players the overlooked and undervalued black sheep of tennis?
One glaring aspect of the black sheep treatment of doubles players is the substantial pay disparity compared to their singles counterparts. Major tournaments allocate a significant portion of the prize purse to singles players, leaving doubles players with a considerably smaller share. This pay gap not only affects the financial stability of doubles players but also reinforces the perception that their achievements are of lesser importance.
The media landscape within tennis heavily favors singles competition, with doubles matches receiving significantly less coverage. Television networks, news outlets, and online platforms primarily focus on singles players, their stories, and their matches. Doubles players often struggle to receive the recognition and exposure necessary to build their profiles and attract sponsors, further perpetuating the black sheep status of doubles tennis.
The unequal distribution of pay and media attention has significant implications for the perception and support of doubles tennis. The lack of financial recognition and limited media coverage contribute to the notion that doubles players are secondary figures in the sport. This, in turn, hampers the growth of doubles tennis as a spectator sport and diminishes the potential for increased fan engagement and commercial opportunities.
To rectify the black sheep treatment of doubles players, tennis organizations and stakeholders must take proactive measures. Addressing the pay disparity by increasing the prize money for doubles events and promoting equal recognition for doubles champions can help shift the narrative and bridge the gap between singles and doubles tennis. Moreover, investing in media coverage, broadcasting more doubles matches, and highlighting the unique skills and dynamics of doubles play can cultivate a greater appreciation for the discipline.
The tale of doubles tennis as the black sheep of the sport is one that warrants attention and redress. The unequal treatment of doubles players, reflected in the disparities in pay, media coverage, and overall recognition, undermines their achievements and potential contributions to the sport. By rectifying the existing disparities and fostering a more equitable landscape, tennis can celebrate the diverse facets of the game, empowering doubles players to shine and ensuring that the black sheep of tennis find their rightful place within the spotlight.
