Dear Santa,
I can hardly believe it is that time of year again! It feels as though it were yesterday when I wrote you last. Does time fly by as quickly at the North Pole?
Speaking of my last list, Santa, when I said I wanted Maria to pipe down on her shrieks, I didn’t mean for her to be out most of the season. A shrieking Maria is still better than no Maria at all.
All in all, it was a good year, if not just a bit forgettable. Unlike 2007, we did not see many memorable moments or epic matches. Three of the four Grand Slams went to major alumnae—and who was surprised to see Russia sweep the medal platform in Beijing?
But one thing did happen out of the ordinary, and if it is all the same to you, I would rather it not happen again. Justine Henin’s retirement ruined the tennis season for many people, although I can think of a few individuals who clearly benefited from her absence.
Can’t say I blame Henin, though. Sooner or later, the grind has to start wearing on a player physically and mentally. She has more than earned her rest, so could you be extra nice to her this year? And if she tries to make a comeback, please do not try to talk her out of it. Your job is to slide down chimneys, not give advice.
While we are on the topic of gift-giving, instead of asking for myself this year, I would like for you to give some gifts to a few people.
Jelena Jankovic
A calendar and a new favorite vacation destination. Jelena trotted around the globe in 2008, so surely in all her tennis travels she found a place that she liked better than a tennis court. Try to convince her that she needs to retreat there and rest more often. Now that she has the No. 1 ranking, it would be nice to see her healthy enough to fight to keep it.
ESPN
Okay, so now ESPN is officially the Grand Slam network. Please make them live up to their billing by showing live matches.
Ana Ivanovic
I know you are not exactly a sport psychologist, but you might be able to help Ana out anyway. She is a charming woman, but it’s painful to watch her compete without any confidence.
Maria Sharapova
What do you get a woman who has it all? I ask myself this question when Christmas shopping and still end up settling for gift cards. While I do not think Maria needs a gift certificate to Borders, she does need a good medical team. It would be a shame to see another talented career cut short because of a shoulder injury.
Rivalries
Nothing makes tennis more interesting that a couple of good rivalries. Maria vs. Serena, Ana vs. Jelena, Venus vs. Serena—all these would be incredible match-ups. I’ll take three of each for next season, please.
Svetlana Kuznetsova
Whatever you give Ana should do for Sveta. Just in a larger amount.
More Live Streaming
I used to put aluminum foil on my rabbit-ear antenna just to watch NBC Sports, but now I can view live tennis from around the world on my computer. Live streaming has revolutionized the way tennis reaches fans, and it would be wonderful to see it get even better in 2009.
Thank you, Santa, for reading my list and I hope this isn’t too much trouble. Personally, I think the hardest might be dealing with ESPN. I hear a lot of money is at stake and sadly in this business, money talks louder than the fans.
Have a safe journey this year, pat the reindeer for me, and don’t forget to stop off in Australia for a few weeks of vacation when you are finished.
Remember, the season begins on January 4,
Aaress
What a great article! I especially liked the comments about Justine Henin. Her retirement took the entire tennis world-community by surprise. I’ve still never heard an official reason. I guess it doesn’t matter, and it is really none of our business, but it would help ease our feelings if she gave us a good, reasonable explanation. And Ivanovic certainly needs a boost of confidence. Other than that, the women’s tennis battle should be a great one this season. Thanks for an entertaining and insightful article!
I wish that Aaress would get an expense paid trip to a major tournament, accompanied by a good photographer
, to post live and have great photos too for us sitting in our homes!
If Lindsay plays on next year may santa give her a clean bill of health of the year as it most likely be her last. Come think of it we’ve saying that for the last four years now and she still hasn’t retired yet.
I also agree with you on Ana Aaress I would love to see her get confidence back too.
Thanks! I think I can agree with that request!!!
Dana Mark, thank you for your comment! I appreciate your kind words.
Justine didn’t really give an official reason for her retirement, apart from the fact that she knew this season of her life was ending, her passion for pro tennis was gone, and she was ready to move forward with her life.
Her season in 2007 was so unbelievable that if she had wanted to end her career on a high note, it almost could not have gotten better.
Vicki, who knows?!!? But even if Lindsay Davenport does end her career again, I’ll still be happy with the extra bonus season we saw in 2008.
Aaress I totally agree with you I enjoyed the bonus time Lindsay gave us in 2008 it’s just a pitty her right knee went bad again. If Lindsay retires before the start of the season I hope she finds happiness in her post tennis life.