Not the most popular of titles on my part, I will agree. Bringing an end to the storied and illustrious careers of Venus and Serena on a US-based website is not going to win me many friends…
And despite what I am going to say in a few paragraphs time, I still believe that they are the best players on the WTA circuit at the moment.
Two years ago, the women’s game had the kind of rivalry that the men’s could only dream of. Venus, Serena, Maria Sharapova and Justine Henin were world-beaters on their day, at a time when Federer was steam-rollering his way to every title that wasn’t on clay. Despite Amelie Mauresmo’s considerable star and beautiful backhand being on the wane, there was a period of 18 months where you honestly thought that any one of four could win. You’d fancy Justine on clay, Venus on grass, Serena to battle her way to one of the hard-courters and Maria to power her way to the other – it was simply the way of things.
And then while Amelie continued to flounder, Justine wandered, or rather sprinted off into the sunset, just when her career reached high noon, and Maria’s shoulder crumbled, almost literally. Wimbledon 2008 could have been a disaster, particularly with French Open champion and freshly minted world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic beginning the downward spiral which has lasted for… 51 weeks and counting. But no – both Serena and especially Venus stepped up to the plate.
When the game needed them, they stood up to be counted – singles and doubles. Saturday was Williams Day, and having witnessed the recent Kuznetsova-Safina anti-climax at Roland Garros 2009, we should truly be thankful for what the sisters gave us on that memorable Saturday in July 2008.
The talk at the time was of both of the Williams siblings having renewed focus, a fresh love for tennis, with their many and varied extra-curricular activities put on the back-burner for the love of the game of tennis. And for three majors, they proved that. They were as good as their word and all but added a “Family Slam” to their incredible list of feats, Venus winning Wimbledon and Serena taking the US and Australian Opens.
But while it seems to be a case of “plus ça change”, or déjà vu all over again in the men’s game as Federer’s resurgence continues, things can change quickly on the women’s tour. One could write off the sisters’ relatively poor performances at this year’s French by saying that neither of them likes clay, but they have enough titles between them on the slowest of surfaces for that not to be an issue. It’s more a change in attitude.
That Svetlana Kuznetsova can beat Serena in a hard-fought match on red brick is acceptable. That Dinara Safina at the top of her game should do it to Venus in the semis at Rome is also totally feasible. That Serena should succumb to a Patty Schnyder in the twilight of her career in her Rome opener, and that Venus should take only four games off Agnes Szavay at the French, is not.
With all due respect to Svetlana and Agnes, they are not Williams-beaters. But it now seems that anyone in the top 20, 30, perhaps even beyond is a Williams-beater on her day.
I’m going to stir up a hornet’s nest here but the issue for me is fitness, both mentally and physically. Much of this may be raking over old ground, but there is a palpable difference in their heads and bodies compared with this time last Wimbledon.
At the press conferences there, we had laughter – Serena joking that she would spike Venus’ cornflakes ahead of the final, we had anger – at Elena Dementieva’s comments that the all-Williams final would be “a family decision”, much to the sisters’ genuine and well justified annoyance. Since then, there seems to have been a change of heart. Serena is back to repeating her “She didn’t beat me, it was I who lost” mantra, and Venus also amazed me at Rome by saying that she likes to look at her trophy cabinet and say “Hey V, that’s pretty cool” – this after she had just played some excellent tennis and yet lost to Safina. Neither sister seemed to have the bit between their teeth.
And then in physical terms, Venus is 29 – the twilight of most recent top tennis careers, it has to be said. When you consider that the two latest Grand Slam finalists, Safina and Kuznetsova, are only 23 and hitting the ball with such immense power, this does not bode well. Serena meanwhile is only two years younger than her sister, but has never had Venus’s lean physique.
Gone are the days when she could arrive at a tournament lacking in practice and fitness only to play herself into form and win the whole darn thing, like she did in Oz two years ago. Safina recently lost a significant amount of weight, and when asked whether it helped her, served up a dead-pan reply: “Try losing seven kilos then going for a run and see how much easier you move.” Serena is very bulky at the moment, and finds herself in an era where all players have power – perhaps not to her extent but not far off – which makes movement even more crucial and gives fitness an even greater role to play.
Of course the title of this article states that I think that one of Venus or Serena will win Wimbledon. I do – probably Venus, to make it three in a row like Steffi did in 1991-1993. They are still the best, the pick of the bunch.
But they are not the dominant forces that they were a year ago. Back then, it was as if they had made a sister pact to play all-out tennis and take the game by the scruff of the neck, and one sister’s success would be the other’s motivation as they mutually spurred each other on during tournaments. But when one falls early now, the other one seems to be following.
I’d back Venus to win at Wimbledon this year, but at some point soon, Safina will conquer her mental demons, Ivanovic will exit her sophomore slump, Jankovic will keep being there or thereabouts and Kuznetsova will build on her recent Roland Garros win when it comes to the hard courts. And of course Sharapova is battling her way back to fitness. And the eldest of those five is Jankovic at a mere 24. By the time 2010 comes around, two junior Wimbledon winners will be knocking on the door – Agnieszka Radwanska (2005) and Caroline Wozniacki (2006).
Unless Venus and Serena can find a new lease of life – and no one would love them to more than I would – then I think that we are looking at the end of a glorious era.
Come on ladies – prove me wrong…
Drew Lilley will be writing and blogging for www.wimbledon.org.
I sure do hope so actually, not a fan of the Williams sisters
Great article! Although, I think it is important to note that Venus has made a significant jump in the rankings from 2008 to 2009 – from No. 6 to No. 3, and has remained injury-free. Serena, on the other hand, has struggled during the past few months with injuries, and even had a QF exit at RG. I’d say there won’t be too many more all-Williams Wimbledon finals, but Venus seems to be maintaining her consistency at Wimbledon. Sharapova could be a serious threat to Venus, once she’s back in top form.
The thing with Serena is that her fitness is getting worse and worse over the years. In Roland Garros she had trouble with moving around the court, but the only reason why she’s winning matches is because of her strong power. Venus on the other hand is moving a lot better on the court… I think Venus will win some more grand slams, and Serena [might] win one or two at the U.S Open… Else I think Serena is done with grand slams, and Venus… I think is the favorite for Wimbledon.
Of the 5 up and comers each has a major issue to conquer but Serena and V have kept all the winning elements together for a long time. They re only human after all. If Serena thought losing 7 kilos would put her over the top again don’t you think she would have done it already?
I think everyone is way off-base with both the Williams sisters. They have both said if they feel their tennis game is coming to an end, they would retire. The fact neither has retired says it all. Venus and Serena have injuries because they have been playing tennis for over 13 years each. Gi8ve them a break. The point is that both Venus and Serena can play and beat these 20 year olds on the tour says alot. I thin both Venus and Serena have many more years of tennis left and they will win Grand Slams over those same 20 year olds. How many of those 20 year olds on the tour can say they have more than one Grand Slam title? WTA tour would not be what it is today, had Venus and Serena Williams been on the tour. Let’s see which Williams sister will be in the final at Wimbledon, if not both. Never underestimate Venus or Serena Williams!!!!
no way, I think Serena can play with her eyes closed right now. Ultimately, they will choose when they leave and I’d be willing to bet they will still be winning at the time they dismiss themselves from the sport. I am a true Williams Sister Fan. Even when they were away, I never once thought that their game was in decline. Their game was on hold and it was very clear to me that they would return on their own agenda. I luv how people turn on their favorites from week to week, month to month, Look at the records people. Anyone that has anything to say about the Williams Sisters, just look at the record, and then hush. They will be in the Hall of Fame. I can’t believe we are putting Mauresmo, Kuznetzova, Savaay, and Schnyder in the same sentence, or Sharapova is even far stretched to compare. Anyways, Booo to all the Williams haterz…..lol
I just watched Serena’s 2nd round match, and she moved wonderfully. Her defense was excellent, as was her offense. So I just don’t know why people keep talking about her not moving well.
Venus said, not that long ago, that she intends to play for “several more years.” That got everyone buzzing, but it occurred to me that she might not have meant singles. I think the sisters may continue in doubles for a very long time. But it is just as possible they may just walk away and step into the other worlds they have already created for themselves.
Serena is somewhat of a fitness mystery. Just when I think she is too beaten up to go on, she starts moving better than anyone on the tour. What I think may happen is that she will enter only a couple of majors a year, instead of all four, and kind of phases out that way.
But that is only a guess, and Serena is very hard to make guesses about. As for Venus, she doesn’t seem to be as focused anymore–except at Wimbledon, of course. I think we’ll see them around next year, and I give Serena a shot at winning another major after this year. But yes, I think the era is beginning to fade, as do all eras.
Well I dont know who you are “Guest Writer”, and eventhough you claim to like the Williams sisters, you are definitely and Williams pessimist.
These ladies have done nothing in their careers but play great tennis while displaying class and sportsmanship, yet you and so many others continue cast gloom over there illustrious careers. The Williams sisters changed the way women play tennis on the WTA tour. Before them, no one really cared to watch women’s tennis. but when they hit the scene, others had to elevate their game to be on the same level and that made the women’s game interesting. From the year 2000 to 2003, it was Venus, Serena, and everyone else. As a fan of the Williams sisters it was tough for me when they became less dominant, but as a fan of tennis, I appreciate how the other women have stepped-up to the plate to make this a great game to watch, No matter if its a Men’s match or Women’s.
I agree with the people that r saying that they are out there beating 20 year olds as we speak…i mean sure they maybe getting a little bit older but everyone does if they keep winning (and look at them ppl they are!!) and still love the sport then y not keep playing?? they take time when they are injured so that it is possible to keep playing..like venus said when reporters wouldnt stop asking her about her taped knee “I needed support..i went out and got support..i wore it in the game..and u no i think all the players will start wearing it because its just so supportive”…they’ve def. got it in them..be supportive!!!! haha
The nutcase who wrote this article only wrote it for some attention. Maybe nobody ever reads anything thing this nutcase writes so they decide to write something for attention
One can see clearly this fool knows nothing what he or she is talking about as all the numbers and results contradicts what this nutcase wrote
wow what a same “On The Baseline” actually made this featured article it was written since June 22 2009 today is July 7 2009 Sixteen days after it was posted and I’m only the 10th comment
All I have to say is “Poor on the baseline” nobody reads their stuff
Maybe try some sense and accuracy next time then you would appeal to readers as having some integrity
All the numbers and results for the Wiliams Sister clearly contrast your foolish article
You must be a Williams Sister Hater
Fred you should not be confused by this writer claiming to love the Williams sisters yet write like this. Thats an old played out line for most haters. They always say stuff like “I cant be a hater I go to church” ” I cant be a child molester I run a day care I love kids”
“I dont hate black people. I’m not a racist. I have black friends. My sister’s god child is black”
It’s an old played out line It’s part of the deception scheme
Hi Peter,
Thank you for your comments at On the Baseline. We always appreciate feedback from our readers.
Everyone is certainly entitled to his/her own opinion, but we do ask that feedback remain civil, polite and devoid of personal attacks.
As a member of the African-American community, I find it comical how often comments of constructive criticism against the Williams Sisters are labeled as racist. Nothing in this article implies that Drew is a “hater”, much less a racist.
Regarding your statements that “The nutcase who wrote this article only wrote it for some attention. Maybe nobody ever reads anything thing this nutcase writes so they decide to write something for attention,” I respectfully beg to differ. Drew Lilley has been one of the official writers for both the French Open and Wimbledon websites for several years and each season, millions of people read his articles.
Peter, while I agree that Drew Lilley’s brave article is off the mark, it isn’t fair to call into question On The Bazeline’s editorial decisions.
OTB has offered a platform for writers accross the tennis community who hold a variety of disparate views on all things tennis related. That’s a good thing I think. It shows the strength, impartiality, and distinctiveness of this Tennis News site.
In the two years I have been visiting this site I have found in to be refreshingly independent and remarkably civil. And whilst I have lost interest in some other forums, sites and blogs, On The Baseline is always a place which gives me a good feeling to come back to. I am challenged without feeling threatened. I feel welcome. Hope you will stick around Peter and discover this for yourself.
Appreciate your thoughts, Alice. Thank you for your comment.