That’s how the official site of the Australian Open is billing this afternoon’s match between Russia’s Maria Sharapova, seeded 5th, and Serbian 4th seed Ana Ivanovic. But isn’t that objectifying the women and devaluing the tennis? Well, in the minds of the players probably not. Here’s what Sharapova had to say about the rise to prominence of her Finals nemesis:

“It's great to see new names coming up that are doing well, that are bringing excitement and whatever it is, glamour, to the sport. Even to bring fans that are not just tennis fans, but other fans into the sport, is wonderful.”

And both players have exhibited glamour with a capital ‘G’ off-court. Sharapova was a model for the 2007 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, amongst many other assignments, and Ivanovic’s body of modelling work shows no shortage of body either.

Seven’s coverage, though, will doubtless be scrutinised for impropriety by one S. Collins of Box Hill North, Melbourne. In a letter to The Age’s Green Guide s/he wrote “...slow-motion technology was abused for grossly inappropriate purposes in the night match between Venus Williams and Zi Yan. Straight after one ad break, there blazing on the screen appeared Venus' backside in action with extreme close-up and extreme slow-motion cast upon it. Seconds later, Roger Rasheed stated ‘I don't know about all the other ladies out there, but to me that's a prrretty good sight’.” Thank god Seven was broadcasting in widescreen!

I saw that coverage, and actually yes, it was a bit of a visit to Wrongtown – Venus would have been appalled. But using that yardstick for this afternoon’s match, things are not the same. Perving rights have been given...

Images: youngteenidols.com and si.com