The US Open recently unveiled its promotional poster on Twitter. While it aimed to capture all the semi-finalists in a frame, it inadvertently ignited a firestorm of controversy among fans. The poster, featuring prominent tennis stars, immediately faced backlash for its composition and the way it seemingly relegated female players to the background. The picture posted on the US Open official account featured all the men’s and women’s semi-finalist but the placement of these players has caused a social media storm. Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton can be seen at the forefront of this poster while Coco Gauff and Novak Djokovic are placed behind them.
The new world number 1 in women’s tennis Aryna Sabalenka is placed at the end of the picture to the fury of fans. The US Open is celebrating it’s 50th year of equal pay for men’s and women’s winners but tennis fan’s believe that this poster is does not represent it. Women players are placed behind the men’s player who are are shown as the show-stoppers. Such similar incident was seen at the Wimbledon championship promotional video too.
US Open poster draws criticism for gender disparity
After the US Open released their promotional poster for the semi-finals, the fans were quick to point out several issues with the poster. First, the positioning of players raised eyebrows. Both American tennis star Coco Gauff and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, who are significant personalities in the tennis world, were seated in the back row, seemingly undermining their significance. Two 20-year-old’s Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz took the leading spot on the poster.
Many fans’ believed that the center position of Shelton was because he is the only American men’s player remaining in the draw. The American will face Novak Djokovic in the semi-final. Meanwhile, the world number 3, Daniil Medvedev has been placed well behind every other men’s player. Tennis fans’ took to twitter to show their displeasure regarding the position of Djokovic on the poster.
Novak won the tournament 3 times, has 23 GS, and for many people is the GOAT! It should be in the middle, common sense guys… 🤦♂️
— Jota Reyes (@jottareyes) September 7, 2023
Novak should in the middle😏
— Karthik Bunny (@KarthikBunny66) September 7, 2023
I love me some Ben, but let’s be serious. Why is he in front of Coco?!
— Shadyoncé (@khaharrr) September 7, 2023
Why is Novak not on top?
— Goran Davidovic (@Goran_Davidovic) September 7, 2023
Saying it’s the men’s game that brings in the money without saying it.
— barry aruba (@BarryAruba) September 7, 2023
What’s your problem with Nole? Can’t accept that he’s the GOAT? Definitely deserved the center spot. I guess on Sunday he’ll prove once again who’s the GOAT.
— George Kyprianides (@Ge0rgeKyp) September 8, 2023
US Open is celebrating it’s 50th year of equal pay this year but some fan’s believe that equality in tennis is still far away. World number 1, Aryna Sabalenka has been placed last in the picture while Coco Gauff, the American favorite is placed behind Ben Shelton. People think this poster is a true picture of the US Open and it’s preference of men’s players over women’s.
So the Grand Slam of equality puts the new women’s world No.1 in the back. Interesting.
— Julio Cesar Rodriguez (@jcrmtxus) September 7, 2023
You seriously put women in the back? How is Ben Shelton more important that Aryna Sabalenka?
— Anna Zofia – kandydatka do Sejmu RP (@Anna_Niezgodzka) September 7, 2023
So funny and american having Ben and Coco on front having actually GS winners on the back.
— Jen✨mirrorball Barbie (@jenpr17) September 7, 2023
And in the year you’re allegedly celebrating 50 years of women’s equality in prize money…the women are in the background.
— Anna Campbell (@sophoife) September 7, 2023
shows equality is still far in tennis
— 🇦.🇷.🇯.🇺.🇳 🇮🇳 (@karjunr) September 7, 2023
So much for celebrating equality at @usopen . Hypocrisy, hype & groveling to @nikestore .BJK has been shamelessly used….@BillyJeanKing7 @scoopmalinowski @josemorgado
— Chuck Kaplan (@cmtchuckhotmail) September 7, 2023
Similar controversy at Wimbledon
The controversy surrounding the US Open poster has drawn parallels to the uproar at Wimbledon earlier this year. Wimbledon faced criticism for its promotional video that avoided Novak Djokovic, sparking outrage among fans. The Wimbledon poster included Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who were both not playing in the championships, but totally avoided Djokovic who was the defending champion.
While the US Open poster has ignited controversy, it is worth noting that the Wimbledon faux pas remains the more significant and memorable incident. Nonetheless, both incidents serve as reminders that the tennis world must continue striving for gender equality and representation in all aspects of the sport.
