Student Biography

Hi! My name is Shravya Pant and my Capstone project is a digital exhibit entitled “On Court, Off Court, and Always On Camera: Women’s Tennis and the Media”. This research project was inspired by my longtime interest in tennis (particularly women’s tennis) and journalism. This exhibit (and the accompanying write-up) guide the viewer through the Open Era history of how female professional tennis players have been represented by the media, looking at specific subtopics such as race (e.g. Li Na, the Williams Sisters, Naomi Osaka, etc.), sexuality (e.g. Amelie Mauresmo), sexualization and commodification (e.g. Anna Kournikova, WTA “Strong is Beautiful” campaign, race and sexualization), mental health (e.g. Jennifer Capriati, Naomi Osaka), and youth sensationalization (e.g. Eugenie Bouchard, Coco Gauff). I also discussed the globalization and corporatization of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and the impact that had on the growth of the sport and tennis media. Through showcasing relevant primary sources and offering secondary analysis, I hope that my project offers a well-rounded perspective on the role the media has played and continues to play in women’s tennis, both for better and for worse. Enjoy!