Women's Tennis Association in Dire Straits
There was a time when the likes of Chris Evert, Bilie Jean King, Martina Navratilova and Steffi Graf dazzled the tennis fans and made a mark on the WTA. Each of these women were the dominant force on the women’s circuit during their own time and their game just grew with every passing year. No grand slam was complete without an exhilarating performance from these women. But ever since then, there has been a lull in the WTA circuit, there has been no major force to be reckoned with, and not just that, no female tennis player has till now matched up to the greatness of these role models for women’s tennis.
These days it seems as if women’s tennis is undergoing a crisis, which somehow no player has been able to fix. There have been spurts of dominance in the form of the William sister, Belgians Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin, Russian Maria Sharapova and Serbian Ana Ivanovic, but none of them have ever been able to capitalize on their victories. Ivanovic emerged on the women’s circuit and captured the media attention after winning her maiden grand slam in the form of the French Open. However after climbing to the top, it was all downhill. Ivanovic was still in the media spotlight, but for different reasons. She was not in the papers for her victories rather for fashion shoots. Her game was never the same; in fact she still seems to be looking to rekindle the same kind of magic.
Players have entered the WTA circuit and made their mark, but somehow the longevity of their victories has been limited. What seems to be lacking in women’s tennis at the moment is consistency. An example of the crisis WTA is going through at the moment was the French Open final. Indeed two deserving players faced off against each other, but they were relatively unknown to those who were avidly expecting a battle between the William sisters or to catch a glimpse of the Justine Henin’s comeback. Serena Williams has grand slams titles to her name, but it seems as if consistency is lacking in her game. She has the capability of shining in one tournament and on the other hand hanging her head in shame in the next. Her sister Venus too has never been able to make a permanent mark on the circuit. Other than her performances at Wimbledon, all the rest seem to be very questionable. Maybe the situation may have been different if both siblings paid as much attention to detail in their matches like they do in their on court attire.
Another one hit wonder was the Russian Maria Sharapova. She won many admirers after winning Wimbledon but after that none of her performances have been at par. Her career albeit has been marred by injuries, but it is also her extra curricular activities such as brand endorsements that may be responsible for taking her mind off the game.
Women’s tennis in the past has been marked by bitter rivalries, breathtaking performances and grueling matches. The zeal somehow has been lost somewhere in the shadows. Players now concentrate more on becoming a brand rather than a role model for future generations. The greatness of Martina Navratilova produced another shining player in the shape of Martina Hingis.
That is what the power of women’s tennis used to be, however now the WTA needs a player or players that would re-energize the women’s game. Justine Henin’s return to the circuit has been welcomed by pundits, but it would be important to see whether the second time around she would be able to make a lasting impression. Another upcoming player on the WTA is Sam Stosur, she may not be the darling of the tabloids but she has a promising start to her name; winning twenty one of her twenty four matches. WTA would be hoping that she could carry on and become their saving grace. Women’s tennis is in dire need to produce players of the same caliber it did in the past.
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