I was able to see one match this morning before work, and it was a great one. Serena Williams and Marion Bartoli. Serena amid her triumphant return to tennis. Bartoli trying to beat Serena for the first time. Both heavy-hitters. Both coached by their fathers.
In the previous round, the quirky Bartoli was actually so stressed out that she ordered her parents (remember, that means she's also ordering her coach) out of the stadium. They beat a hasty retreat (and really didn't seem fazed by it), and she won. Today, no such theatrics.
Bartoli turned in a gutsy performance. Impressive and entertaining. And Serena just never seemed to find her game. Perhaps it was the heat--hotter by 25 degrees or so than any day last week--or maybe it was fatigue after not playing match-after-match for so many months. Or maybe it was just a bad day at the office.
Regardless, Serena's back, and she should be in even greater form by the U.S. Open. But for now... she's out of Wimbledon.
The debate has been on about how good/bad a Wimbledon win for Serena would have been for women's tennis. Some weren't too concerned. Others said it would expose a true lack of depth in the women's field--if someone who was, in her own words, near death last year and out of the sport for 11 months returned and won it all.
I tend to agree with that sentiment. We've seen a rusty Serena win a title before. But this would have been different. I think it would have been a real indictment of just how little competition Serena really has.
So I'm happy with Bartoli's win. Serena still doesn't have much competition, but she does have some.
As for the rest of the matches, I haven't seen them yet. Fingers crossed for Nadal. I think it's going to be a tricky one. Here's hoping Kate and Wills, in the Royal Box, are pulling for Spain over Argentina. If not, I will be writing a letter to the Queen Mum.
Bess, well-said. I'll add that the Bartoli-Serena match was high-quality from start to finish. Many astonishing rallies, including one that lasted 25 shots (rare for a grass court). The whole thing had the electricity and feel of a championsip match. That's a real credit to both players, especially Serena, who elevated her play despite not being in top condition. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteDave, did you catch the one-liner they showed of Serena's post-match press conference? Something to the effect of, "There's only one way I can go from here and that's gotta be a pretty scary thought." Oh, Serena. There's actually two ways you could go from here. You chose the self-impressed one.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes. Serena loves her some Serena. Even in defeat.
ReplyDelete