It Is All About Us

Fashionable outfits, equal prize money and lucrative endorsements with the global brands. Given the money and fame associated with women’s tennis nowadays, is the decision to leave an easy one? And who are the biggest losers as a result?

Female players are earning more money and at a faster rate. The increased awareness for the sport and excitement rallied from the leading women has caused sporting companies to invest heavily in such athletes. Lindsay Davenport has become the highest earning female on the WTA tennis circuit with an extraordinary US$21.9M in prize money over her illustrious career–this does not however include the funds Nike injects into this former world number one.

With financial security, these sportswomen can opt to quit earlier in their careers. Justine Henin’s retirement prior to this year’s French Open is an instance of this, and who are we to judge?

Most of us do not know the pressures and physical demands of being on the Tour. Supporters and spectators alike must have been disappointed; she brought such diversity onto the court with her tireless footwork and amazing single-handed backhand.

The contrast in style to that of Sharapova and the Williams sisters was refreshing, particularly when the power-hitters stormed onto the circuit by out-hitting the likes of Martina Hingis. Justine felt she had nothing else to prove. Clearly passion can only make one stay for so long. Whilst players of the past retired because their legs could simply no longer handle the rigours of the game or they were forced out by younger competition, their counterparts from today are in a better position to choose–continue or not?

The fans are the biggest losers when players retire. It is a major blow for tournament organisers as well, however putting aside the bottom line, the raw emotion, colour and animation that shape the memories created from watching our tennis idols is second to none.

Not seeing the likes of Gabriella Sabatini or Chanda Rubin compete during the ‘80s and ‘90s is unthinkable and it is difficult to imagine the women’s game had Steffi Graf walked away prior to her Golden Slam in 1988. They (amongst others) have shaped our appreciation for the sport.

Champions departing in their prime do little to our interest level as spectators. We want to see the women pull crowds like the men; however the slight in skill and technique is frustrating. Sharapova was clad with mistakes during her three matches at the French and this was excruciating to watch.

We all have our favourites that have dominated the sport – like Steffi Graf and Monica Seles–and it would have been rare to see a poor execution of their game at the elite level. There is a quiet anticipation for the return of Jennifer Capriati. Unexpected, early retirements shake up the competition and here’s hoping for more enthralling matches and personalities, despite the exit of others.

Diversity in the sport is what makes tennis riveting and we have been fortunate enough to experience this. We must respect the decisions that the players make and in turn celebrate their achievements, however saddened we are by their goodbyes.

But don’t fret – there is always a little thing called a comeback.

Tania Tchea is a tennis enthusiast and aspiring sports writer / presenter from Melbourne, Australia. She has experience working at the Commonwealth Games, FINA World Swimming Championships and other National Football Clubs, however her passion is tennis.

She has often been described as a Human Almanac of Tennis due to her strong knowledge of the game at a national and international level. Tania has previously worked for the Australian Open and Tennis Australia.

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