Glamour overkill

We’ve come a long way since Justine Henin posed with her 2003 French Open trophy in faded jeans and black T-shirt. Probably too far ... into red-carpet “look what they did to my face, ma!” territory. Yes, women’s tennis is blessed with a bevy of stunners who wouldn’t be out of place on a catwalk. Yes, we like to see the stars (not just WAGs) frock up occasionally. But the glamming up of the women’s game is relentless. Not every player relishes being poured into a designer gown, shoe-horned into Jimmy Choos and paraded before the cameras.

The “Strong Is Beautiful” campaign is artfully shot, but there’s nary an intimidating muscle or a bead of sweat in sight, which calls into question whether the WTA believes its own marketing. It’s hard-selling beauty above strength, glamour over game. (See also Media Guide rant above.)

Kuznetsova Svetlana Kuznetsova