Not a huge fan of Rafael Nadal or Serena Williams -- Rafa strikes me as a meathead, Serena's lack of graciousness and intimidation techniques are frequently appalling -- but there's no denying they were both spectacular this past two weeks in Paris, hugely deserving of their singles crowns. (What a heartbreak for Nole!) For Rafa, number 8 makes him the best clay court player of all time. For Serena, it moves her to number 4 on the winningest Grand Slam champions of the Open era. Although she still trails Steffi Graf by six, and Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert by two, many are starting to see her as the greatest player of all time. To watch her, it would be hard to argue. But seeing how invincible she's been this year -- now that she's recommitted herself to the game -- has only reinforced my disappointment in her lack of focus over the years. She's "so much better than everyone" yet hadn't won here since 2002, and has now only won here twice? Steffi, on the other hand, won at least four of every major, including the ultra rare Grand Slam, and rarely missed an event. I guess you could compare this part of Serena's career to Andre Agassi's. Although it seems likely that she will surpass Martina and Chris if she plays another few years, I doubt she can catch up to Steffi, which is a shame. She probably is better than any other woman to ever play the game. But GOAT requires more than just raw talent: It requires focus, staying healthy and a relentless commitment to the game. And, above all, it requires cold, hard stats. Can Serena make up for lost time? Perhaps. But I have a feeling she will end her career regretting that she let her destiny get away from her.
5 comments:
I'm so sad for Nole and Maria!!!
Sniffffff!!!!!!!!
Steffi would have won only half of what she did if Monica hadn't been stabbed. I think Monica would have been the GOAT.
I know you you know this but I think two huge factors in Serena's career have been having to play against her sister and the murder of their sister.
@Sean: It's hard for me to argue about the Seles theory, although injuries could have EASILY gotten in her way if not for the madman. It's not like Steffi didn't blow her off the court at Wimbledon at Monica's peak -- and beating Steffi 8-6 in the third at the French isn't exactly a convincing win either. (Translation: I don't buy that Seles had Graf's number in perpetuity.)
What happened to Yetunde was horrific. But that doesn't mean Serena couldn't have turned to tennis in her grief instead of fashion, movies and everything BUT tennis. Many players have faced adversity. Steffi could have curled up into a ball when her dad was found to be using her money to pay for hookers behind her mom's back. But she remained focused and intesne, which is why she kept winning when others faded away.
Sorry sweet Kenneth, disagree. Even a lunatic could see that Monica had Steffi.
I'm glad Serena took breaks and didn't burn out. You may be right that her champion window is narrowing but otherwise would she still be around, let alone #1 today?
Speaking of graciousness, I still tear up thinking of her response to the disgusting Indian Wells crowd who jeered her & her family thru most of the final : I know some of you don't love me but I love you all.
so happy for Rafa! Meathead? hardly lol I actually love this era of men's tennis is by far the best ever with the top4 being so talented and pushing each other to get even better. Steffi is the GOAT no question about it though Serena has impressed me the past year, never a fan but starting to realize she at least is 100% committed since joining up on the court (and in bed) with her french bf. As for Monica we will never know what could have happened but one thing is for sure is her rivalry with Steffi was a tight one, neither player owned each other.
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