In recent years, the majority of the general public and tennis fans have been lost to the antics of the high standard tennis displayed by the top men.
While many people still see women’s tennis as a slightly less exhilarating spectacle, the Championships at Wimbledon in 2013 has proved that women’s tennis has a lot more to offer than just awkward grunts and flat rally shots.
After six days of tennis we have witnessed the spectacle of some incredible tennis from the women’s draw.
This has drawn light on a handful of players with incredible potential. Joining them are also players who have maintained top ten standard form throughout the year and promising contenders for this years Wimbledon title.
Serena Williams has placed an authoritative hold on the women’s draw firing past her first three opponents, her serve only broken once.
Aiming to defend her 2012 title at the All England Club, Serena has but everything to lose. As well as being known to have the occasional ‘slip up’ after being spontaneously beaten in opening rounds of past slams, these pressures appear almost non-existent.
It seems that her current form and preparation is too perfect for such a thing to occur. Evident in her recent performances, Williams’ court movement, power and strong mentality are one step ahead of the rest.
It is for these reasons that she has been dubbed by many as one of the “greatest female players of the modern era.”
If she defeats Sabine Lisicki in the round of 16, awaiting her are the likes of Agnieszka Radwanska and Na Li.
However, unlike the me’s circuit, whose top five ranking have remained virtually unchanged of the past few years, the women’s circuit has seen a variety of different players to ‘mix it’ with the top few.
Despite this, Great Britain has not had not had a female grand slam champion since Virginia Wade in 1977.
This may change this year as Melbourne born Brit Laura Robson finds her feet at Wimbledon.
The 19 year old clashed with tenth seed Maria Kirilenko and prevailed in a stunning display of mental and physical determination.
Despite her young age Laura Robson has shown everyone that she is a viable contender and definitely a player to look out for. Robson faces Kaia Kanepi of Estonia in the fourth round.
If you love your tennis then this year you are in for a real treat with the high calibre of women taking their game to the next level. Watch the grass courts of Wimbledon and check out the talent on offer in 2013. You won’t be disappointed!
adamrushford
Roar Rookie
Realli?! Didn't know that. That's incredible
Johnno
Guest
I think Navratlova was 50 and won a doubles, or a mixed double title at wimbledon in 2004 or 2005.
adamrushford
Roar Rookie
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!!!
adamrushford
Roar Rookie
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...
Johnno
Guest
Wow after this champagne womens tennis, damn lets get the girls up to 5-sets. You think in that match Serena lost, could she of comeback 2 sets to one down, or would she of tired. The possibilities are endless, in 5-set grand slam tennis, and the endurance part of the game over the power game comes into it. Id hate if men's tennis at grand slam level went to 3-set games, guys like Marat Safin, Richard Krajicek, Mark Philloppusous, and Greg Rudseki, these type of players would of won a lot more grand slams. Power players with less endurance.
Johnno
Guest
Apparently Jimmy Connors has the best statistical record of any player, with regards to wins and losses, and achievements in grand slams, and tour matches. Both him and Chris Evert have the best records, and they both dated once too . http://www.tennisnow.com/News/Jimmy-Connors-Best-Male-Tennis-Player-of-All-Time.aspx
clipper
Guest
He had his 39th birthday when he played the quarter finals. Connors was a remarkably consistent player - 12 years inside the top 3 and still beating some top players well into his 42nd year. He also didn't play the French Open during his best years - although I doubt he would have won it, he did far better than Sampras there getting to the semi three times and only played the Australian twice (like a few of his contemporaries in those years)
adamrushford
Roar Rookie
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.
Johnno
Guest
Decline of Serena now , like Federer lol. Serena is 32 in September only 6 months younger than Federer.
adamrushford
Roar Rookie
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.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Having just watched Lisicki v Williams, Mens tennis be damned! That was amazing tennis.
adamrushford
Roar Rookie
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.
Johnno
Guest
the rules have stayed the same basically, but the advance technology, and the sports science strength, and conditioning have transformed the sport in the last 10 years especially. 2000-13. 70's,80's,90's, there was a market for serve volley tennis, and different styles eg baseliners. Now there all power serves who slug it out from the back, the speed of the game is so fast now, the hitting power etc. Watching tennis int he 80' and 90's on youtube, is so funny, the players are so slim, and not musculary cut, the power on the ball is so soft compared to today, it's laughable. Guys like John Mcenroe, Jimmy Connors, Mats WIlander, i watched some matches with them, they were touch players, it was so slow to watch compared to today's guys and girls. Graf, and Lendl, had the modern game, and were ahead of there time, but not many others were.
adamrushford
Roar Rookie
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).
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
It is a good debate, though. The main problem with 5 sets for the women is that it dramatically crowds the calendar given the amount of court time required. It can be done, should be done, though will require either a lengthening of the tournament or an increase in the number of courts. Certainly my vote is a for 5 sets.
adamrushford
Roar Rookie
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.
Johnno
Guest
A few changes I'd like to see in Tennis. -5-set women's grand slams , at least say from the Q/Final stage onwards. That may not be possible as it would stuff up , preparation strength and conditioning wise. So it has to be 1 or the other I'd say. I say go 5 sets for the ladies. -Federer is finished I thunk he will never win a grand slam again. -Jonas Björkman made the semi-finals at Wimbledon aged 34, a journeyman player. -Jimmy Connors was pretty old at the 1991 US open he made the semi-finals, he was around 38 or 39 -Andre Agassi was 32 yr and 9 months when he wont he Australian open in 2003, he is the most recent oldie to win a grand slam,, over 30 for men. -Pete Sampras was 31 when he won the US open in 2002. So Federer is basically finished statsicsiclly if history is anything to go by.
adamrushford
Roar Rookie
Cheers Zac, appreciate it. I too am looking forward to seeing the next generation of tennis superstars.
duecer
Guest
They did play best of 5 set matches in the year end womens championships, so it can be done - it would certainly find which are the fitter players.
zacbrygel
Roar Guru
Great article Rusho, well done. I have especially loved seeing so many upsets in the women's draw this year such as the losses of Ivanovic, Wozniacki and Sharapova all on Day 3 bringing a sense of unpredictability to Wimbledon that is great to see and makes the tournament so much more interesting. As is with you, I hope Laura Robson can keep her run going maybe as far as the Semi Finals, and truly announce herself as one of the best women's players in the world, just as Sloane Stephens did at this year's Australian Open.