Serena Williams Withdraws from Zurich Open, Ends 2006 Tennis Season
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Oct 12, 2006 | Print
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Serena Williams’ disappointing 2006 tennis season has officially come to an end, according to the Zurich Open website.
Serena had orginally stated that “. . . nothing should stand in the way of making my Zurich debut”, but it appears that the current world No. 90 has decided to forgo playing in Switzerland and make the most of the 2006 off-season.
The Zurich Open website broke the story by announcing in German that although Serena had hoped to compete in the Tier I event, she would instead be focusing on making a healthy return to tennis in 2007.
Serena’s 2006 season will go down in the record books as one of the most disappointing of her distinguished career. She attempted to defend her 2005 Australian Open title in January, only to lose to Daniela Hantuchova in the third round. Besides playing in Melbourne, Serena only showed up to compete at three additional events all season; the Western & Southern Financial Group Women’s Open in Cincinnati, the JPMorgan Chase Open in Los Angeles, and the US Open.
She started the 2006 season ranked at No. 11, but spent eighteen weeks this summer ranked outside of the top 100.
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Sapphisto | Oct 12, 2006 | Reply
Honestly? My reaction to this is… *yawn*
Talent isn’t enough. I’m reminded of that old saying about genius - it’s 90% perspiration, 10% inspiration.
She needs to lose the attitude and start having a little respect for the sport and the other people in it.
On a happier (I hope!) note - Amelie won her match in the 2nd round at the Kremlin, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(3) against Elena Vesnina. Sadly, it went all the way to a 3rd set tiebreaker - 2 hrs, 22 min, the very last thing she needs with that shoulder injury.
Here’s hoping the shoulder is doing fine & Mich can work wonders before tomorrow.
Nexty | Oct 12, 2006 | Reply
I think the tournement is over for her tomorrow Saphi
:(
Sapphisto | Oct 12, 2006 | Reply
We must have faith, Nexty.
Also light many candles (per Momofan!) and send all good vibes to those poor little muscle fibres in her shoulder.
ALLEZ AMELIE!!!
Nexty | Oct 12, 2006 | Reply
I only wish that my dear but I’m just realistic
Aaress | Oct 12, 2006 | Reply
Hate to be a damper but it’s going to take more than candles to get Amelie past Vaidisova tomorrow!!
For what its worth - I really think Amelie will gut out a win tomorrow against Nicole.
Vaidisova’s win over Amelie at Roland Garros feels almost like a distant memory, and she’s hardly been able to back it up with any significant wins since.
momofan | Oct 12, 2006 | Reply
Mmmm yeah I hardly know what to think, you guys. I want my baby girl to win, but on the other hand, if her shoulder’s gonna get more messed up as a result, I’ll be terribly depressed.
And if the match is going to be at some insane hour California time again, FUHGEDDABOUTIT I ain’t having no more heart attacks at 7:30 in the morning anymore, babe!
ALLEZ AMELIE! (the candles will be lit…)
Sapphisto | Oct 12, 2006 | Reply
Aaress - agreed, but we do what we can.
As I said before, I just hope the shoulder’s ok. A 3rd set tiebreaker that went 2hrs, 22 min has got to be tough on an injured shoulder. And of course it hurt her serve.
But the fact is - she’s a champion. If the body is fit, the spirit will carry her through.
ALLEZ AMELIE!!
duine | Oct 15, 2006 | Reply
Serena does not have an attitude. If she has an attitude, it is a winning-attitude. I do not recall her saying bad things about other players. The players who are supported by fans and the media to thrash other players are: Martina Navratilova, Martina Hingis and Hardienne. Off course they are europeans and a lot of people still have to overcome the shock of seeing how two black sisters became household names. I am glad they had a succesful tennis carreers, help others in the process.