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My name is Adam Rushford (as you probably already know if you are looking at my profile). Sport is a great passion of mine and I enjoy watching, playing and reading about many different sports from Roger's domination at Wimbledon, to the hopes and aspirations of the athletes (2) in the 2012 Australian olympic Taekwondo Team. Hope you enjoy reading my opinions.
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In recent years, the majority of the general public and tennis fans have been lost to the antics of the high standard tennis displayed…
Wow. Gives you a lot to think about. Although, I think as the years have progressed and the game has picked up pace and intensity it seems players are ending there careers shorter. There are handful of men and women who are still competitive and are older than 35. Can’t be sure whether it comes down to the ‘progressed’ style of tennis or not but it seems to be a bit like that. I feel that the game has changed rapidly in the last few years in the terms of the way the game is being played.
Just a fun fact: Kimiko Date Krumm of Japan is turning 43 this September and is still playing Grand Slams and winning matches. She turned pro in 1989 and then retired in 1996. In 1995 she achieved a ranking as high as 4. She has made the semi finals in every slam except the us open where she made the quarters twice. Since her comeback she has won one title and came runner up in another. She has proved to be a true fighter and shown that she still enjoys playing the game.
So, if she can do then others can as well!!!
Can Wimbledon boost women's tennis?
Definitely. The length of the match has so much impact on the outcome and who the dominant players really. Gives you a lot to think about…
Can Wimbledon boost women's tennis?
Despite her loss to Lisicki I don’t think that Serena is on the decline at all. When she plays well she is the best and there’s no doubt. I don’t like to judge players by one performance but we will definitely have to see what she will get done in the lead up to the US.
Can Wimbledon boost women's tennis?
I have to be completely honest – I am shocked!!! I thought Serena would take it out for sure. Lisicki has definitely shown her true colours. This is exactly what I was talking about and hoping for.
I also cannot believe Robson lost considering the amazing tennis she had been playing.
Can Wimbledon boost women's tennis?
Exactly, but I think that if women’s tennis was to change to 5 sets then we would see a very different style of tennis than what we are seeing now.
Can Wimbledon boost women's tennis?
In theory, seeing women go to five sets would be an interesting and more dramatic experience for the fans but realistically I don’t think it is something that will happen. As you mentioned, it has been talked about before and there is one thing in particular that I believe is a disputable point when talking about such a drastic change to the game.
Firstly, I just want to add that tennis is one of the few sports where the rules have remained virtually unchanged. As in the original principles have stayed the same and the only changes that have been made were minor alterations to accomodate for hawk eye technology, challenges and what not, which I think that most people can agree have been greatly beneficial.
Anyway, back to the point… What I’m saying is that introducing a 5 set system into women’s tennis would not only change decades of tradition but it would cause much dispute in the tennis world (as it did when previously discussed).
Can Wimbledon boost women's tennis?
You’re right. If Wimbledon is anything to go by then Federer definitely seems to be on the decline. However, I wouldn’t write him just yet. Personally, I don’t think that judging someone based on one performance alone is fair. Even though he is yet to win a title in 2013 he is still a genuine contender and will post some good results in the months and years to come.
Can Wimbledon boost women's tennis?
Cheers Zac, appreciate it. I too am looking forward to seeing the next generation of tennis superstars.
Can Wimbledon boost women's tennis?
Definitely hear what you’re saying Ryan. I don’t remember the last time a women’s final was taken right until the end but I think that is also due to the top 3/4 domination as I talked about above.
Serena tends to either lose in the opening rounds a slam or take hope the cup in a straight set demolishing in the finals. There have been a few exciting encounters between Azarenka and Sharapova over the years but none of them have really been long.
I agree with you that the length of the match plays some part in the way in which viewers are made to feel involved. So I can definitely see where you’re coming from.
Can Wimbledon boost women's tennis?
As much I would hate to see Federer go I think his career is definitely nearing its end. Although, I don’t think that he has stopped contending his matches, despite his recent “slip up”, and he still poses a threat to the rest of the competition.
However, I do still believe that Nadal has a few more years of grand slam contention up his sleeve.
Think about it, in the two months before Wimbledon he won Rome, Madrid, Barcelona and Roland Garros. All of those were on clay but just before those titles he took out Indian Wells on hardcourt.
I think he still has a lot in him (if he can get over his injuries).
Can Wimbledon boost women's tennis?
I can’t wait to see Kirsten Flipkens in action. Her for recently has been great and she has really stepped it up against the better opponents.
Undoubtably, she is the favourite going into tonights match but I wouldn’t underestimate Pannetta. A quarter final birth for Flipkens would give her a great chance at making the finals.
Her confidence is right up there. I don’t want to think too far ahead but I definitely wouldn’t write her off against Kvitova (or Suarez Navarro).
Should be a great match to watch!
Wimbledon 2013: Women's round of 16 preview
Mastermind, it’s interesting seeing the top 3/4 groups that have dominated in the past 10 years. What i noticed was that every 2-3 years there is a new group that push through. However, in the past 2/3 years, the current quartet of Williams, Azarenka, Sharapova and Radwanska, have firmly cemented their places in the top of the rankings. Maybe Wimbledon 2013 will mark a drastic change in the women’s rankings. Although, I feel that Serena will continue her rein at the top of the rankings for a few more years now.
The men’s on the other hand I believe will also changa drastically this year.I feel that in 2013 we will see many promising players to come through and make a name for themselves in the top 20. These players will begin to assert their dominance with in the next 18 months. Young Australian, Nick Kyrgios and Japan’s Kei Nishikori to name a few. Nishikori has been on the tennis scene for a few years now 2013 has big things in store for him. Despite hes third round loss at wimbledon, he is just inches away for making the top ten and poses as a real threat. David Ferrer is another player that has caught my attention. 2013 has undoubtably been his best year in his 13 year career and after Wimbledon he will secure a number three ranking and push Federer to fifth and Nadal into fourth.
Can Wimbledon boost women's tennis?
Thanks a lot for the comment, it’s really great to hear like opinions. Wimbledon has definitely lived up to its name as the pinacle grand slam.
Can Wimbledon boost women's tennis?
I’ve loved watching Djokovic play these Championships. His form is impecable at the moment and the only one that i believe has the skill to challenge him in the next week is Andy Murray. Andy has also been a standout for me.
Djokovic, Serena into Wimbledon 4th round
Could not agree with you more.
For me personally, WImbledon 2013 is one of the most exciting slams I’ve witnessed in a few years now.
Can Wimbledon boost women's tennis?
Zac, great article. I too enjoyed watching the first stage and hopefully it will continue to be as great. Mate, you have inspired me to start writing articles on this site and im pumped!
Keep up the good work.
Peter Sagan shows what a superstar he will be in years to come
Realli?! Didn’t know that. That’s incredible
Can Wimbledon boost women's tennis?