Open Forum Friday: The Year That Was
Posted by Tania Tchea on Oct 3, 2008 | Print |
It has been somewhat of a rollercoaster year in women’s tennis. A year which saw old champions re-claiming some of the majors and a tight tussle for the top spot on the rankings table. Throw in an Olympic Games and we have pretty much seen it all.
Let’s reflect on some of the happenings of 2008 in today’s edition of Open Forum Friday.
Grand Slams
The Australian Open saw Maria Sharapova claim her first title there in the absence of some of the top players. At Roland Garros, Ivanovic broke through to win her first Grand Slam (and incidentally overtake Sharapova as the number one player). Wimbledon and the US Open showcased the two sisters we know so well – first Venus and then Serena taking the last two majors of the year respectively.
Williams Sisters
The Williams sisters have been great ambassadors for the sport and many predicted a quick and fast decline for them given their mixed results of late. However this year saw a resurgence from both women – Venus taking Wimbledon, narrowly beating her younger sibling at the line whilst Serena took a strongly contested match from the hungry Jankovic at Flushing Meadows.
To cap things off for the Williams family, the women won the women’s doubles gold medal convincingly in Beijing.
Asian Tennis on the Up
Zheng Jie’s inspirational performance at Wimbledon this year proved that Chinese women are causing a surge in the tennis world. Despite a disappointing result at the Beijing Olympics this year, they have much to look forward to in the future.
The Olympics
Elena Dementieva added to her silver medal from Sydney eight years ago by taking the gold in China. It was not the prettiest of matches – filled with a cluster of errors and double faults – however she outplayed countrywoman Dinara Safina.
Successful Safina
On all accounts, it has been a successful year for Dinara Safina in 2008. It has not been all roses for the Russian, however the past year should make both Safina and her coaching staff proud.
Despite not fairing well in Australia or at Wimbledon – with first and third round exits respectively – her mental toughness and ability to close out matches has improved significantly. Wins in Berlin and Montreal saw her defeat players such as Henin, Sharapova and Jankovic. Her most notable performances include a final showing at Roland Garros and winning the silver medal at the Olympics. One might say that both resulted in “losses” – she lost the French to Serbian Ana Ivanovic and had to settle for second place in Beijing to Elena Dementieva. However much has to be said about her effort and dedication in getting to the finals.
Safina stands at 1.82cm tall and uses heavy ground strokes to muscle her opponents around the baseline, and prefers to dictate play. She is not naturally talented like her brother, but her hard work is evident from her results. Reaching the semifinals at the US Open saw her move into the Top 5; Safina ended the Grand Slam season as the highest ranked female Russian. It is only a matter of time before she breakthroughs for her first Grand Slam.
As the players wind down in preparation for the off-season, here’s hoping they get their well-deserved break, as we twiddle our thumbs in anticipation for 2009.
We are keen to hear what your favorite moments have been from 2008. Why not share them with us?
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Aaress Lawless | Oct 3, 2008 | Reply
Thanks, Tania, for launching this week’s discussion! This is an excellent summary of the 2008 season so far.
For me, looking back on 2008 brings back thoughts of two things, the retirement of Justine and the No. 1 ranking chaos that has ensued since May.
Granted, there have been many memorable moments, such as the four impressive Grand Slam wins by Sharapova, Ivanovic, and the Williams sisters, but much of the tennis this year has been overshadowed by the No. 1 hot potato toss. At the rate it is going now, that might even continue until the season-ending Championships.
All in all, it was a good season. Not the most spectacular of all-time, but a year that showed promise for many rising stars, most notably Dinara Safina.
Karin Burgess | Oct 3, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for this review. It has been an interesting year for sure. Pro tennis is played at such an incredibly high level it’s got to be challenging to maintain it from week to week, venue to venue. So many injuries too. Is the game getting tougher on bodies?
Kervin | Oct 5, 2008 | Reply
I think Elena won the silver in sydney and not in athens. But anyway, it’s really nice to see Elena back into the top five. I am very happy she won the Olympic gold medal. She had a great season and I hope she wins her first Grand Slam trophy next year. Go Elena! God bless you!
Aaress Lawless | Oct 5, 2008 | Reply
Kervin, thank you for pointing out that typo. It has been corrected.
Diane | Oct 5, 2008 | Reply
I think my favorite moment was seeing Safina come from behind match after match and win Berlin–and then do almost the same thing at Roland Garros. Talk about thrills!
Vicki | Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
My favourite part of the year was any match Lindsay played and I even include her loss to Bartoli too. I really thought Lindsay was done when she announced her pregnancy in 2006 and all her comeback matches have been a happy bonus. Pitty she couldn’t have had greater success at the slams but it’s been nice to have back anyway. I will miss her once she has retired for good.
Rhonda | Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
OTB website has also seen changes this year. Way to go Aaress for a great site and coverage of women’s tennis with insight, integrity, intensity, and an intersprinkling of humor!
Aaress Lawless | Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
Thank you for the encouraging comment! I appreciate your support!