Intersectionality in Tennis (WTA) Sports Media

Authors

Emily Stoner, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

John Shrader

Second Advisor

Dr. Frauke Hachtmann

Date of this Version

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

Stoner, Emily. Intersectionality in Tennis (WTA) Sports Media. Undergraduate Honors Thesis. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 2025.

Comments

Copyright Emily Stoner 2025.

Abstract

This “applied knowledge” project investigates and observes intersectionality in tennis sports media via the women’s professional tour (WTA). Intersectionality in Tennis (WTA) Sports Media analyzes how intersectionality as a concept and social justice lens impacts and is impacted by media. By considering intersectional identities and their implications in sports media narratives and coverage, this piece displays some telling patterns and perpetuations.

At the professional level, tennis certainly does not garner the most profit or attention, but it provides a unique world of intersecting identities, cultures, geography and tradition. This work aims to shed light on the state of sports media, women’s professional tennis, and the concept and impacts of intersectionality. It does so by breaking down each layer (intersectionality, tennis, sports media), and applying them together. It also looks at some of the stars and events for example, showcasing patterns and progress alike.

*Note that there are as many assortments of identities and applications of intersectionality as there are people on Earth. While we certainly cannot assume or project the lived experiences of other intersectional identities, take in this work as an example, and consider how it evolves and is reproduced for the countless applications and human beings that are impacted. This is my invitation to read with an extra open mind, and note that research, academia and media have a lot of work left to do.