Venus Williams outmatched by her dress

During the CBS telecast of the Venus Williams match against Shahar Peer Saturday, an odd statistic popped up in the lower right-hand corner.   Dress Tug Count: V. Williams 42, Peer 4.  It was a fun jab at Williams, who seemed preoccupied with the clingy, form-fitting fuchsia outfit that crept up her rear during play.  She needed to pull it down after each point.  
Then my son asked “What (stats) will they put up for Nadal?  Butt digs?” I laughed.  But he had a point.  Nothing is more distracting or disgusting than watching Rafael Nadal, the men’s No. 1 tennis player, dig into his butt after ever single point.  John McEnroe alluded to it, but didn’t feel a need to address it head on like he did Williams’ dress. 

Sexist? Double standard?  Not really.  Nadal digs because he does.  He certainly doesn’t want to draw attention to it.  But Venus has worn a different, disco worthy outfit for every match she has played in this year at the U.S. Open.   All of the designs are from her own fashion line EleVen.   

So Venus got what she was looking for, folks talking about her dress.  But if you’re going to use the tennis court as a runway, try to avoid wardrobe malfunctions.  And if female athletes set out to make a fashion statement, they better be prepared for statements made about their fashion.