Sharapova

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) -- Maria Sharapova had a simple retort to the notion that men should be paid more than women at Grand Slam tournaments. Serena Williams just laughed and covered her face withone hand before delivering her answer.
Two of the biggest stars of women's tennis didn't hold back Thursday when responding to comments made this week by 13th-ranked Gilles Simon - a new member ofthe ATP Player Council - that has rekindled the debate over equal prize money at Wimbledon.
While Simon defended his viewpoint Thursday and added a majority of male players agree with him - but areafraid to speak out - Sharapova offered a clear answer to why she deserves the money she earns.
"I'm sure there are a few more people that watch my matches than his,'' she said.
Sharapova beat TsvetanaPironkova in a tough three-set match on a packed Court 1 on Thursday to reach the third round at Wimbledon, while Simon lost in straight sets to Xavier Malisse on Court 3.
On a more serious note,Sharapova added: "Look, we women have fought so long to get equal prize money. It was a big challenge and nobody really supported us. It's been a few years since we've gotten that. We're all reallyproud of it, and we continue to build the sport and make it bigger.''
Sharapova's comments were relayed to Williams after her match on Centre Court.
"You know, I can't bite my tongue,'' Williams said."Definitely a lot more people are watching Maria than Simon. She's way hotter than he is. Women's tennis, I think, is really awesome.
"It's a great fight. We fought for years with Billie Jean King,and Venus (Williams) as well, really set the pattern on what we should do.''
In 2007, Wimbledon became the last Grand Slam tournament to give equal prize money to the men's and women's singleschampions. The French Open introduced it a year earlier, copying the U.S. Open and Australian Open who have had it for years.
However, the Frenchman believes male players provide more entertainment during...