Why is women's tennis so dominated by Eastern European players? (soccer, ball)
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
As the article from 2010 says, 26 of the top 50 female tennis players hail from Eastern Europe, whereas in the 70s 31 out of the 50 came from the US or Western Europe. Neither is ideal, of course. It'd be ideal if there were more players from other countries. When was the last time you even saw a South American, player? It's refreshing when you see players like Li Na from China. Anyway, why is this? Do these countries just invest a lot of money into creating female tennis stars? The same dominance hasn't happened to male tennis - although American players are becoming less dominant. Even many highly-seeded players based outside of Eastern Europe like Sharapova or Jelena Dokic (who is retired now I think) are Eastern European by nationality/ancestry.
I have to say the main thing that bores me about women's tennis is two players with long, hard to pronounce names ending in 'ova', or else the Williams sisters, always contesting grand slams/winning titles. Who really gives a rats ass which Russian girl wins at the end of the day? It's more interesting if there is a more international spread of players.
When was the last time you even saw a South American, player?
When you're hungry and poor, there are not lots of money devoted to tennis courts, balls, raquets, etc.
What about soccer. All you need is a ball and some fake nets to train. The same cannot be said with tennis.
Over 90% of today's top 100 tennis players are either from Europe, USA, Australia, and China for a reason. These are developed countries (arguably including China).
Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
24,544 posts, read 56,034,272 times
Reputation: 11862
Quote:
Originally Posted by sunset2000
When you're hungry and poor, there are not lots of money devoted to tennis courts, balls, raquets, etc.
What about soccer. All you need is a ball and some fake nets to train. The same cannot be said with tennis.
Over 90% of today's top 100 tennis players are either from Europe, USA, Australia, and China for a reason. These are developed countries (arguably including China).
My bad , I meant South American FEMALE player. Nalbandian is the only S.American player of note I can think of.
Eastern Europeans are westernized. You had cable tv, mtv, the NBA, etc influence you in the 80's and 90's. They're smart, and probably more disciplined than your average westerner. So if you get this opportunity to play tennis, why not take advantage?
Aren't they built for tennis? They seem taller and leaner than your average American.
Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
24,544 posts, read 56,034,272 times
Reputation: 11862
Quote:
Originally Posted by John23
I think its a cultural thing.
Eastern Europeans are westernized. You had cable tv, mtv, the NBA, etc influence you in the 80's and 90's. They're smart, and probably more disciplined than your average westerner. So if you get this opportunity to play tennis, why not take advantage?
Aren't they built for tennis? They seem taller and leaner than your average American.
Well I don't see many female tennis players from Scandinavia, or the Netherlands. The male Swedes used to be quite prominent but not any more.
Well I don't see many female tennis players from Scandinavia.
Too cold to play tennis in shorts and all.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
, I meant South American FEMALE player. Nalbandian is the only S.American player of note I can think of.