Andy Roddick has decided to retire after the US Open this year. Barring he does not make a spectacular run and win the tournament (I think he will lose in the Second Round to Bernard Tomic), a question arises. How do we define Andy Roddick's roller coaster career?
Do we define it as a disappointment? The number one junior tennis player in the entire world at one time, Andy Roddick won two majors as just a junior. The future could never look brighter. But, the future is not the present, and that could not have been more clear with Roddick. Andy Roddick made it to four Finals. He only won one. He lost every Finals at Wimbeldon, and he could never fully live up to the expectations he received as a junior. Another issue, injuries. It seemed as if Roddick was never 100%, and always injured. Roddick is a hot head too. The smallest thing seems to upset him so much more than it should. It seems like everything got in Roddick's. way to greatness.
Do we define it as a success? Not only did he get to be the number one juniors player in the world, winning two majors as a junior, he also won a regular major title. In 2003, at the US Open, he won his major championship. He beat Juan Carlos Ferrero in straight sets to win the title. This catapulted him to the number one ranking in the world. A major championship and the number one ranking in the entire world, what more can one ask? In a world where today Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic have won 29 of the last 30 majors, winning a major seems all the more valuable.
If you ask for my opinion, I think it is a mixed bag. Roddick has done a lot of great things. We cannot forget his major, or his two junior majors, or the number one at both the professional and junior level. However, we must also not forget the constant anger explosions, missed opportunities, and annoying injuries that have plagued his career. He has achieved a lot, but he could have achieved a lot more.
Andy Roddick's career might end today against Bernard Tomic in the Second Round of the 2012 US Open. But if Andy has any fight left in him, then he will be going for that first-place trophy. He owes it to himself after such a crazy career.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
Why Draw Day Could be the Most Important of a Major
Yesterday, the US Open draws came out. Now, for some, this is just another batch non-news, but, it is much more important at a major than you might think. Why is this? Well, let's take a look at the women's and men's draw to find out.
Tomas Berdych has had a rough portion of his year. He lost in the First Round of both Wimbledon and the Olympics. The US Open is supposed to get him back on track. It's unfortunate he got a bad draw. In the opening round, Berdych will play David Goffn. This is the same David Goffin who made it to the Round of 16 at the French Open and the Third Round of Wimbledon. David Goffin took a set of Roger Federer at the French Open. This is not good for Berdych. And if he wins this, he has to play Denis Istomin, who was one set away from a Wimbledon Quarterfinals appearance this year. This was a horrible draw for Berdych, and one that could shape his tournament.
Another example of this in the men's draw, this time working the man's favor is with Roger Federer. Yes, he will have to play Andy Murray in the Semifinals, if they both make it there, but for at least the early matches, there could not have been an easier draw for him. To start off, he plays Donald Young, who has not won a match in who knows how long. His potential Third Round Opponent, Fernando Verdasco, does not have the weapons to beat him, and his potential Quarterfinals foe, Tomas Berdych, who might not even make it out of the First Round, has fizzled out ever since his Wimbledon Finals appearance. There are no hidden roadblocks for Federer in this draw. This was a great draw for Federer.
On the women's side, Angelique Kerber has a deceptively hard draw. When one looks at the bracket, one would see that Kerber would only possibly see one seed, and a low one at that (Tamira Paszek ; 29 seed), until possibly the Round of 16. Well, there are lots of under-the-radar roadblocks thrown in there. This starts with her First Round opponent, Anne Keothavong. Keothavong took Wozniaki the distance at the Olympics and there is no reason why she can not carry that momentum into the US Open. In the Second Round, she might have to take on two-time US Open champion Venus Williams, who she had to beat in two tiebreaks at the US Open, and the in Third Round, she might have to play Paszek, who made an under-the-radar Quarterfinals Wimbledon appearance this year. Needless to say this is not has easy as it seems.
The easy draw for the women has to belong to Maria Sharapova. She will not potentially have to play a seeded opponent until the Third Round, if she makes it that far. Unlike Kerber's draw, however, there is no tricky players early in the draw. Her potential opponent, 27 seed Anabel Medina Garrigues, would be blown off the court with Sharapova's power. In Sharapova's whole quarter, there is only one top ten player, 5 seed Petra Kvitova. Sharapova would not potantially have to play Kvitova until the Quarterfinals. Yes, Serena Williams is in her half of the draw, but as we saw at the French Open, she can lose early in a major. Williams also looked shaky at the Western and Southern Open. Until those potential matchups, however, things are looking pretty good for Maria Sharapova.
These examples show just how important the draws can be at a major, in this case the US Open. Now, a couple players are going to have to prove me wrong, and a couple of people will have to take advantage of their easy draws!
Tomas Berdych has had a rough portion of his year. He lost in the First Round of both Wimbledon and the Olympics. The US Open is supposed to get him back on track. It's unfortunate he got a bad draw. In the opening round, Berdych will play David Goffn. This is the same David Goffin who made it to the Round of 16 at the French Open and the Third Round of Wimbledon. David Goffin took a set of Roger Federer at the French Open. This is not good for Berdych. And if he wins this, he has to play Denis Istomin, who was one set away from a Wimbledon Quarterfinals appearance this year. This was a horrible draw for Berdych, and one that could shape his tournament.
Another example of this in the men's draw, this time working the man's favor is with Roger Federer. Yes, he will have to play Andy Murray in the Semifinals, if they both make it there, but for at least the early matches, there could not have been an easier draw for him. To start off, he plays Donald Young, who has not won a match in who knows how long. His potential Third Round Opponent, Fernando Verdasco, does not have the weapons to beat him, and his potential Quarterfinals foe, Tomas Berdych, who might not even make it out of the First Round, has fizzled out ever since his Wimbledon Finals appearance. There are no hidden roadblocks for Federer in this draw. This was a great draw for Federer.
On the women's side, Angelique Kerber has a deceptively hard draw. When one looks at the bracket, one would see that Kerber would only possibly see one seed, and a low one at that (Tamira Paszek ; 29 seed), until possibly the Round of 16. Well, there are lots of under-the-radar roadblocks thrown in there. This starts with her First Round opponent, Anne Keothavong. Keothavong took Wozniaki the distance at the Olympics and there is no reason why she can not carry that momentum into the US Open. In the Second Round, she might have to take on two-time US Open champion Venus Williams, who she had to beat in two tiebreaks at the US Open, and the in Third Round, she might have to play Paszek, who made an under-the-radar Quarterfinals Wimbledon appearance this year. Needless to say this is not has easy as it seems.
The easy draw for the women has to belong to Maria Sharapova. She will not potentially have to play a seeded opponent until the Third Round, if she makes it that far. Unlike Kerber's draw, however, there is no tricky players early in the draw. Her potential opponent, 27 seed Anabel Medina Garrigues, would be blown off the court with Sharapova's power. In Sharapova's whole quarter, there is only one top ten player, 5 seed Petra Kvitova. Sharapova would not potantially have to play Kvitova until the Quarterfinals. Yes, Serena Williams is in her half of the draw, but as we saw at the French Open, she can lose early in a major. Williams also looked shaky at the Western and Southern Open. Until those potential matchups, however, things are looking pretty good for Maria Sharapova.
These examples show just how important the draws can be at a major, in this case the US Open. Now, a couple players are going to have to prove me wrong, and a couple of people will have to take advantage of their easy draws!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Li Na and Roger Federer: Two Very Different Champions at Western and Southern Open
Li Na won the Western and Southern Open this year. So did Roger Federer. Both are major champions. But, that's about where the comparisons can stop as these are two very different winners. While one is the definition of consistent, one is among the biggest mysteries in sports. Both this week, however, got it done.
Li Na has definitely had an interesting career. For much of her early career, she was a no name, with nobody really paying attention to her. Then, an unexpected breakthrough occurred as Li made it to the finals of the Australian Open in 2011. Then, she won the 2011 French Open over Frencesca Schiavone, which created a frenzy in China.
After that, however, she just dropped off the map. Inconsistency was a major problem for Li Na, so much so, that it was hardly a mild surprise when Li lost in the Second Round of Wimbledon to Sorana Cirstea. How could she go from winning the French Open in 2011 to not even making a quarterfinals appearance in 2012? Personally, I never thought she would win another tournament! Well, she proved everyone wrong and won this year's Western and Southern Open. Will she succeed at the US Open? Well, if her past performances are any indication, we will not know until she steps on the court at Flushing Meadows.
Now, Roger Federer is another story. Besides the fact that he has two Olympic medals, including one gold, he has 17 major championships. In 2004, 2006, and 2007, he won three majors in one year! He has a career grand slam, too. He has been to a Quarterfinal in a major for what seems like forever. He had recently won Wimbledon 2012. He is the model of consistency. So, we knew he would give a great showing at this tournament.
What we did not know however, was that he was going to dominate the tournament, never really being threatened as he took home the crown. He even continued his resent serge against Novak Djokovic and beat him in straight sets. Again, he never was a let down, consistent throughout the tournament, until he had won it all. Like the rest of his career.
Roger Federer and Li Na have much different backgrounds when it comes to their tennis backgrounds. However different their pasts are, however, they both found a way to win one of the main tournaments leading up to the US Open.
Li Na has definitely had an interesting career. For much of her early career, she was a no name, with nobody really paying attention to her. Then, an unexpected breakthrough occurred as Li made it to the finals of the Australian Open in 2011. Then, she won the 2011 French Open over Frencesca Schiavone, which created a frenzy in China.
After that, however, she just dropped off the map. Inconsistency was a major problem for Li Na, so much so, that it was hardly a mild surprise when Li lost in the Second Round of Wimbledon to Sorana Cirstea. How could she go from winning the French Open in 2011 to not even making a quarterfinals appearance in 2012? Personally, I never thought she would win another tournament! Well, she proved everyone wrong and won this year's Western and Southern Open. Will she succeed at the US Open? Well, if her past performances are any indication, we will not know until she steps on the court at Flushing Meadows.
Now, Roger Federer is another story. Besides the fact that he has two Olympic medals, including one gold, he has 17 major championships. In 2004, 2006, and 2007, he won three majors in one year! He has a career grand slam, too. He has been to a Quarterfinal in a major for what seems like forever. He had recently won Wimbledon 2012. He is the model of consistency. So, we knew he would give a great showing at this tournament.
What we did not know however, was that he was going to dominate the tournament, never really being threatened as he took home the crown. He even continued his resent serge against Novak Djokovic and beat him in straight sets. Again, he never was a let down, consistent throughout the tournament, until he had won it all. Like the rest of his career.
Roger Federer and Li Na have much different backgrounds when it comes to their tennis backgrounds. However different their pasts are, however, they both found a way to win one of the main tournaments leading up to the US Open.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Serena Williams Sputters, Falls in Warmup Tournament
Before the Western and Southern Open, Serena Williams was doing amazing. She had just won gold medals in both singles and doubles at the Olympics. And did I mention before that she had won both the singles and doubles titles at Wimbledon? She also won a title in Stanford. So when she struggled, it was definitely a surprise.
In her first match against Eleni Daniildou, Serena looked lethargic out there. Even though she won 6-4, 6-3. The scoreline does not reveal just how close this match was. Surprisingly enough, Daniidou was pushing Williams all over the court. One could see the frustration building in Williams' face as she was clearly in shock that some no-name girl could be doing this to her. When you expect perfection, anything other than that is a disaster.
Then, she took on a familiar foe, Urszula Radwanska. She had recently beaten her in the Olympics, so one expected Serena Williams to just walk right through her once again on her quest to the tournament title. That, however, was not the case. Again, she looked lethargic and sloppy as she slapped balls into the net. Radwanska did not have the weapons to beat her, though, and fell to Serena in straight sets. It almost felt during a part of the match that Williams was not winning the points, rather Radwanska was losing them. The passion was there, the game just was not on Williams' standards.
So, it was not surprising that Serena Williams lost to Angelique Kerber 6-4, 6-4. She was sputtering all week, getting by, but at some point, sputtering objects will break down. As one can see, Kerber is a defensive player, the type of player that can frustrate Serena. So, it was no surprise that she fell in straight sets.
This was definitely a disappointing tournament for Serena Williams, as at least I expected her to continue her dominance and win the tournament. However, we also must recognize that it would be hard to play at such a high level. Does this mean she will not be a factor at the US Open? No, but this was a fall to earth for Serena Williams.
In her first match against Eleni Daniildou, Serena looked lethargic out there. Even though she won 6-4, 6-3. The scoreline does not reveal just how close this match was. Surprisingly enough, Daniidou was pushing Williams all over the court. One could see the frustration building in Williams' face as she was clearly in shock that some no-name girl could be doing this to her. When you expect perfection, anything other than that is a disaster.
Then, she took on a familiar foe, Urszula Radwanska. She had recently beaten her in the Olympics, so one expected Serena Williams to just walk right through her once again on her quest to the tournament title. That, however, was not the case. Again, she looked lethargic and sloppy as she slapped balls into the net. Radwanska did not have the weapons to beat her, though, and fell to Serena in straight sets. It almost felt during a part of the match that Williams was not winning the points, rather Radwanska was losing them. The passion was there, the game just was not on Williams' standards.
So, it was not surprising that Serena Williams lost to Angelique Kerber 6-4, 6-4. She was sputtering all week, getting by, but at some point, sputtering objects will break down. As one can see, Kerber is a defensive player, the type of player that can frustrate Serena. So, it was no surprise that she fell in straight sets.
This was definitely a disappointing tournament for Serena Williams, as at least I expected her to continue her dominance and win the tournament. However, we also must recognize that it would be hard to play at such a high level. Does this mean she will not be a factor at the US Open? No, but this was a fall to earth for Serena Williams.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
After Diagnosis, Venus Williams has Two Sides
The tennis world was both shocked and devastated when they found out that Venus Williams had an autoimmune disease that would affect the amount of energy Williams had when she stepped on the court. It was almost as if she had two sides. She could be horrific or spectacular, depending on which day you caught her on. But which Venus Williams will show up for the US Open? Both?
Venus Williams has had a spectacular career. She has made the Final Round of every major, while winning two of them multiple times. At the age of 20, she won Wimbledon and the US Open, along with taking home an Olympic gold in singles and doubles. She has won five Wimbledon singles and doubles championships, and if we combine all of her majors (singles and doubles), she has won 20 majors and 4 Olympic golds. She is a spectacular woman, so when the announcement of her disease came out, it was all the more shocking.
Late in 2011, she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. It was major news across the United States. The revealing that she had this disease also created some mysteries. We, the public, weren't really sure how to expect Venus to play. Was she going to be playing like she did in the olden days, or would she seem old and disinterested on the court. As it turns out, we got a little of both.
At the French Open, we saw her disease-ridden side. After barely getting by Paula Ormaechea in three sets, she was thoroughly beaten by Aga Radwanska in a two set beat down. Now, this was not a huge deal because we could just blame this on rust. We cannot forget, also, that she did win a match, and even that can be an accomplishment. Wimbledon would be a great place to see just how well Venus has dealt with the disease. At Wimbledon, we saw both sides.
Venus Williams showed both sides of her disease-ridden game in singles and doubles at Wimbledon this year. Against Elena Vesnina in the singles draw, she looked lifeless as she stumbled to a 6-1, 6-4 uninspiring loss. That was her bad side. But, something changed in Williams' game as she moved to the doubles tournament with her sister Serena Williams. The Williams sisters, unseeded, beat down the competition in route to the doubles title. I don't know whether she mustered the extra energy and firepower from her sister Serena, or whether her autoimmune disease just was not bothering her, but we definitely got to see the good side of Venus Williams' game at Wimbledon 2012.
At the Olympics. Venus Williams really blossomed. Even though she lost in straight sets in the Round of 16 to Angelique Kerber, she showed great fight and defintely showed that she will not fade into the sunset in singles. Then, she won the gold medal in doubles, and showed she is still a force to be reckoned with. This shows even more of the good side of Venus Williams, that side that mezmorized tennis fans throughout the world, that side which made me think the only player she could lose to is her sister Serena.
As of right now, Venus Williams has two sides, the side where she is playing great, and the side where she is playing badly. Hopefully, in the future, we will only see that great side again.
Venus Williams has had a spectacular career. She has made the Final Round of every major, while winning two of them multiple times. At the age of 20, she won Wimbledon and the US Open, along with taking home an Olympic gold in singles and doubles. She has won five Wimbledon singles and doubles championships, and if we combine all of her majors (singles and doubles), she has won 20 majors and 4 Olympic golds. She is a spectacular woman, so when the announcement of her disease came out, it was all the more shocking.
Late in 2011, she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. It was major news across the United States. The revealing that she had this disease also created some mysteries. We, the public, weren't really sure how to expect Venus to play. Was she going to be playing like she did in the olden days, or would she seem old and disinterested on the court. As it turns out, we got a little of both.
At the French Open, we saw her disease-ridden side. After barely getting by Paula Ormaechea in three sets, she was thoroughly beaten by Aga Radwanska in a two set beat down. Now, this was not a huge deal because we could just blame this on rust. We cannot forget, also, that she did win a match, and even that can be an accomplishment. Wimbledon would be a great place to see just how well Venus has dealt with the disease. At Wimbledon, we saw both sides.
Venus Williams showed both sides of her disease-ridden game in singles and doubles at Wimbledon this year. Against Elena Vesnina in the singles draw, she looked lifeless as she stumbled to a 6-1, 6-4 uninspiring loss. That was her bad side. But, something changed in Williams' game as she moved to the doubles tournament with her sister Serena Williams. The Williams sisters, unseeded, beat down the competition in route to the doubles title. I don't know whether she mustered the extra energy and firepower from her sister Serena, or whether her autoimmune disease just was not bothering her, but we definitely got to see the good side of Venus Williams' game at Wimbledon 2012.
At the Olympics. Venus Williams really blossomed. Even though she lost in straight sets in the Round of 16 to Angelique Kerber, she showed great fight and defintely showed that she will not fade into the sunset in singles. Then, she won the gold medal in doubles, and showed she is still a force to be reckoned with. This shows even more of the good side of Venus Williams, that side that mezmorized tennis fans throughout the world, that side which made me think the only player she could lose to is her sister Serena.
As of right now, Venus Williams has two sides, the side where she is playing great, and the side where she is playing badly. Hopefully, in the future, we will only see that great side again.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Age Should Not be a Question for Roger Federer
After Roger Federer lost the Gold Medal Match in embarrassing fashion to Andy Murray 6-2, 6-1, 6-4, the inevitable happened. It seemed like every so-called "expert" questioned whether or not Roger Federer was fading into oblivion. I am here to stop this from happening, he does not deserve to be treated like this.
The world knew that Roger Federer was going to be special from the second he stepped on the court. He won his first major championship in 2003 at the sacred ground of the All England Club at the age of 21. He has won, with the exception of a singles gold, almost every tournament one can ask to win. He won four major championships by the end 2004! This guy deserves more than these retirement questions.
By the time the French Open rolled around in 2010, Roger Federer had won 16 major championships, at this rate, Roger Federer seemed invincible. 25 majors was seemingly within reach! With the way the media portrayed Federer, he could be 50 years old and still winning majors. So the decline in his game was even more shocking.
From after the Australian Open 2010 to before he won 2012 Wimbledon, Federer failed to win one major. He went from this heralded superstar, to an old man. Many thought that this "shocking" decline meant Federer was "too old" to win a major again. Why do we doubt Federer's age?
At 2012 Wimbledon, Federer saw it all. He went from the Second Round beating Fabio Fognini with three straight 6-1s to being down 2 sets to love to Julien Benneteau, but winning anways. It doesn't matter if Federer is 20 or 30, no situation is too great for Roger Federer.
During the Final, down a set, no worries, he won three straight sets to win the major championship. Did we hear any questions about Federer's age then? No, it was almost like he became the favorite for every major for the next couple of years with the praise he was receiving. But, as we later found out, those questions were lurking.
Even though he won the silver medal at the London Olympics, experts and fans alike were upset with the way he played during the finals against Andy Murray. What do you think started again? Yes, the age questions. Even though a few weeks earlier he had beaten the same person to win Wimbledon, he was all of the sudden "old" again. Nobody "old" wins seven straight best-of-five matches, including against two of the top four players in the world.
The old questions have now resurfaced after Roger Federer's loss to Andy Murray in the Olympic tennis finals, but as we have learned, age should not be a question for him.
The world knew that Roger Federer was going to be special from the second he stepped on the court. He won his first major championship in 2003 at the sacred ground of the All England Club at the age of 21. He has won, with the exception of a singles gold, almost every tournament one can ask to win. He won four major championships by the end 2004! This guy deserves more than these retirement questions.
By the time the French Open rolled around in 2010, Roger Federer had won 16 major championships, at this rate, Roger Federer seemed invincible. 25 majors was seemingly within reach! With the way the media portrayed Federer, he could be 50 years old and still winning majors. So the decline in his game was even more shocking.
From after the Australian Open 2010 to before he won 2012 Wimbledon, Federer failed to win one major. He went from this heralded superstar, to an old man. Many thought that this "shocking" decline meant Federer was "too old" to win a major again. Why do we doubt Federer's age?
At 2012 Wimbledon, Federer saw it all. He went from the Second Round beating Fabio Fognini with three straight 6-1s to being down 2 sets to love to Julien Benneteau, but winning anways. It doesn't matter if Federer is 20 or 30, no situation is too great for Roger Federer.
During the Final, down a set, no worries, he won three straight sets to win the major championship. Did we hear any questions about Federer's age then? No, it was almost like he became the favorite for every major for the next couple of years with the praise he was receiving. But, as we later found out, those questions were lurking.
Even though he won the silver medal at the London Olympics, experts and fans alike were upset with the way he played during the finals against Andy Murray. What do you think started again? Yes, the age questions. Even though a few weeks earlier he had beaten the same person to win Wimbledon, he was all of the sudden "old" again. Nobody "old" wins seven straight best-of-five matches, including against two of the top four players in the world.
The old questions have now resurfaced after Roger Federer's loss to Andy Murray in the Olympic tennis finals, but as we have learned, age should not be a question for him.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Why 1st Round French Open Loss was Good For Serena Williams
Serena Williams' First Round loss at the French Open seemed devastating for her. She was just not the same as she was before her injury, and before she got distracted by the world around her. But, as Serena has shown, nothing can stop this women.
When Serena Williams lost in devastating fashion to Virginie Razzano 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-3, we thought the world was caving in on Serena. She was spraying shots, and it seemed like the ball was going into the net more often than the other side of the court. She did not have the passion she had earlier in her career. But, there was something, different about Williams after the match. If this taught her anything, it was that the world has caught up, and Serena likes to be ahead. Since then, she has not looked back.
At Wimbledon, we saw a determined, focused, Serena Williams. After handily beating two inferior opponents, we saw Serena do something she, it seemed, has not done in a while, win a close match. Serena Williams beat Zheng Xi 9-7 in the third due to a barrage of aces. Then, in the next round, she won 7-5 in the third to Yaroslava Shvedova.
In the past, we would have seen Williams give in during these tight matches, unable to handle the pressure, and more inclined to enhance her clothing line than her tennis game. But, that loss to Razzano brought out a little fight in Serena, that willingness to battle on through these tough matches. Serena realized after that match what the game of tennis really meant to her. These close matches just fueled the fire.
After her win against Shvedova, Serena never looked back. She then went on to beat Petra Kvitova, reigning Wimbledon champion, in the quarters, world number one Victoria Azarenka, then world number two Agy Radwanska in the finals.
As Serena screamed with joy after winning Wimbledon, one couldn't help but go back to her loss to Razzano. Did anyone truly expect Serena Williams to win this tournament after such a huge disapppointment? How is she playing so well now after playing so poorly then? I believe one day other competitors will be cursing Razzano for causing Williams to soul search.
Serena Williams then went on to cruises through her Stanford tournament on the other side of the world just days after winning Wimbledon. On top of this, she did not drop a set. Why did she go through all of that trouble just to win a small tournament? She has that hunger for winning again. That hunger for being the best in the world. I think Serena Williams took the First Round loss that the French Open hard, as evident by her sobbing on the sidelines. That match showed her just how much she wanted to win again.
Then, came the Olympics. That was not even a contest. In the gold medal match, she beat French Open winner Maria Sharapova 6-0, 6-1. Not to mention the fact that she beat world number one and Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 6-2. While in Wimbledon Serena Williams used her serve to take the championship, she used her powerful groundstrokes to win the title. She played with a new found energy and passion. And where do you think she found that? That's right she found it in that match against Virginie Razzano. Those scorelines would have never happened earlier this year.
The Virginie Razzano First Round loss was a horrible loss for Serena Williams. But, at the end of the day, her, along with the rest of the world, will see that she has benefitted from that loss.
When Serena Williams lost in devastating fashion to Virginie Razzano 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-3, we thought the world was caving in on Serena. She was spraying shots, and it seemed like the ball was going into the net more often than the other side of the court. She did not have the passion she had earlier in her career. But, there was something, different about Williams after the match. If this taught her anything, it was that the world has caught up, and Serena likes to be ahead. Since then, she has not looked back.
At Wimbledon, we saw a determined, focused, Serena Williams. After handily beating two inferior opponents, we saw Serena do something she, it seemed, has not done in a while, win a close match. Serena Williams beat Zheng Xi 9-7 in the third due to a barrage of aces. Then, in the next round, she won 7-5 in the third to Yaroslava Shvedova.
In the past, we would have seen Williams give in during these tight matches, unable to handle the pressure, and more inclined to enhance her clothing line than her tennis game. But, that loss to Razzano brought out a little fight in Serena, that willingness to battle on through these tough matches. Serena realized after that match what the game of tennis really meant to her. These close matches just fueled the fire.
After her win against Shvedova, Serena never looked back. She then went on to beat Petra Kvitova, reigning Wimbledon champion, in the quarters, world number one Victoria Azarenka, then world number two Agy Radwanska in the finals.
As Serena screamed with joy after winning Wimbledon, one couldn't help but go back to her loss to Razzano. Did anyone truly expect Serena Williams to win this tournament after such a huge disapppointment? How is she playing so well now after playing so poorly then? I believe one day other competitors will be cursing Razzano for causing Williams to soul search.
Serena Williams then went on to cruises through her Stanford tournament on the other side of the world just days after winning Wimbledon. On top of this, she did not drop a set. Why did she go through all of that trouble just to win a small tournament? She has that hunger for winning again. That hunger for being the best in the world. I think Serena Williams took the First Round loss that the French Open hard, as evident by her sobbing on the sidelines. That match showed her just how much she wanted to win again.
Then, came the Olympics. That was not even a contest. In the gold medal match, she beat French Open winner Maria Sharapova 6-0, 6-1. Not to mention the fact that she beat world number one and Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 6-2. While in Wimbledon Serena Williams used her serve to take the championship, she used her powerful groundstrokes to win the title. She played with a new found energy and passion. And where do you think she found that? That's right she found it in that match against Virginie Razzano. Those scorelines would have never happened earlier this year.
The Virginie Razzano First Round loss was a horrible loss for Serena Williams. But, at the end of the day, her, along with the rest of the world, will see that she has benefitted from that loss.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
How Andy Murray Has Changed
A year or two ago, Andy Murray was playing well beyond the baseline, always on the run, and a poor sport. After his gold at the Olympics, it seems as if this is all changing.
When Murray lost in the finals of the 2008 US Open, all of the excuses in the world were available to him, whether it being his first major final, or the awe of Roger Federer, there was no pressure on him. By the time he lost in straight sets to Novak Djokovic at the finals of the 2011 Australian Open, questions were arising about whether or not Andy would ever win a major final. Then, in 2012, his game changed.
Starting in 2012, there was a total change in Andy Murray's tennis. For instance, watch in much of this video the difference of how Andy Murray used to play. Now watch video of his match with Federer in the Wimbledon Finals this year. Even when he is losing points, you can see the difference in his game, which would eventually lead him to the Olympic gold.
In the first video, we see Murray just settling for weak baseline shots, while Djokovic completely controlled the tempo and flow of the match. While in the second video, Murray moves much better and even when he is losing the points, his movement and ball striking are a lot better. That could be the match, even with the loss, that turns Murray's career around.
Now, let's look at how Murray's attitude has changed. This from the 2010 Australian Open. Watch how Murray losses his cool over a challenge. Then, look right here, which is Murray after Wimbledon 2012.
See the difference? In the first video, instead of just continuing on with the match, Murray gets bogged down because Rafael Nadal took an extra second or two to call for a challenge (which was about a millimeter away from being correct). The second video shows that Andy Murray has finally matured. He was gracious to Federer while really showing a side of him that was negated by his constant outbursts.
After struggling for years, it seems as if Andy Murray has found himself and is finally righting the ship. The world saw his resurgence after 2012 Wimbledon, and we saw arguably the best match of his life in the gold medal match of the 2012 Olympics. Andy Murray has changed, and because of this, it seems as if a major championship is right around the corner.
When Murray lost in the finals of the 2008 US Open, all of the excuses in the world were available to him, whether it being his first major final, or the awe of Roger Federer, there was no pressure on him. By the time he lost in straight sets to Novak Djokovic at the finals of the 2011 Australian Open, questions were arising about whether or not Andy would ever win a major final. Then, in 2012, his game changed.
Starting in 2012, there was a total change in Andy Murray's tennis. For instance, watch in much of this video the difference of how Andy Murray used to play. Now watch video of his match with Federer in the Wimbledon Finals this year. Even when he is losing points, you can see the difference in his game, which would eventually lead him to the Olympic gold.
In the first video, we see Murray just settling for weak baseline shots, while Djokovic completely controlled the tempo and flow of the match. While in the second video, Murray moves much better and even when he is losing the points, his movement and ball striking are a lot better. That could be the match, even with the loss, that turns Murray's career around.
Now, let's look at how Murray's attitude has changed. This from the 2010 Australian Open. Watch how Murray losses his cool over a challenge. Then, look right here, which is Murray after Wimbledon 2012.
See the difference? In the first video, instead of just continuing on with the match, Murray gets bogged down because Rafael Nadal took an extra second or two to call for a challenge (which was about a millimeter away from being correct). The second video shows that Andy Murray has finally matured. He was gracious to Federer while really showing a side of him that was negated by his constant outbursts.
After struggling for years, it seems as if Andy Murray has found himself and is finally righting the ship. The world saw his resurgence after 2012 Wimbledon, and we saw arguably the best match of his life in the gold medal match of the 2012 Olympics. Andy Murray has changed, and because of this, it seems as if a major championship is right around the corner.
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