Not sure that a lack of desire to win or competitive spirit is really a criticism that can be validly levelled at the number one ranked women’s tennis player who just won the French Open a month ago.
I see Barty gives a "classy" response when asked about her loss, saying "the sun will come up tomorrow". It's not classy, it's whiny, and the reason she won't be Number 1 for very long. Wimbledon is the ultimate tennis event in the world. If you are Number 1 in the world then I think the dozens of people, organisations and millions invested in your development deserve more than a weak shrug and a cheap platitude when you can't crack the top 16 when it matters. The same thing happened in the women's World Cup, with the Aussies trotting out the old "we'll learn and bounce back" line after being knocked out before the quarters entering the tournament ranked 6th. When it comes to Wimbledon and the World Cup, there is no tomorrow. They are the top of the mountain, the reasons you play the game. They are not a learning experience, and failing to fulfil your potential there indicates stage fright, lack of preparation, or just not enough hunger. I want women's sport in Australia to succeed, genuinely, but until these soft, weak, "it's okay to lose" excuses go out the back door, and are replaced by an obvious dislike of losing and a clear hunger not displayed by either of the above examples, it will never challenge the sporting market. And never should.
IAP
Guest
She won't be number 1 for long. That's the women's tennis merry-go-round for you.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
Not sure that a lack of desire to win or competitive spirit is really a criticism that can be validly levelled at the number one ranked women’s tennis player who just won the French Open a month ago.
Give me a break
Guest
I see Barty gives a "classy" response when asked about her loss, saying "the sun will come up tomorrow". It's not classy, it's whiny, and the reason she won't be Number 1 for very long. Wimbledon is the ultimate tennis event in the world. If you are Number 1 in the world then I think the dozens of people, organisations and millions invested in your development deserve more than a weak shrug and a cheap platitude when you can't crack the top 16 when it matters. The same thing happened in the women's World Cup, with the Aussies trotting out the old "we'll learn and bounce back" line after being knocked out before the quarters entering the tournament ranked 6th. When it comes to Wimbledon and the World Cup, there is no tomorrow. They are the top of the mountain, the reasons you play the game. They are not a learning experience, and failing to fulfil your potential there indicates stage fright, lack of preparation, or just not enough hunger. I want women's sport in Australia to succeed, genuinely, but until these soft, weak, "it's okay to lose" excuses go out the back door, and are replaced by an obvious dislike of losing and a clear hunger not displayed by either of the above examples, it will never challenge the sporting market. And never should.