Sports Then and Now

In the 2008 U.S. Open, Venus couldn't capitalize on 10 set point opportunities in losing to eventually Champion Serena in the Quarterfinals.

There’s a certain commercial for the 2009 US Open—one where Serena Williams has two dolls in her lap.

“I’m gonna beat you, Venus,” Serena says, marching one doll over her knee into the other one’s face.

“No, you not,” replies the second doll in an elevated, falsetto voice.

Near Misses: the canvas on which is painted ugly, bitter things, the scope of which contains hidden beauty that lingers in the mind like the aftertaste of a fine, aged Scotch.

The subject of this series is not the winner, but the so-called “loser,” the one whose exit is at first bitter and burning like the first note of a 30-year-old Glenmorangie, but for whom the second note is sweet, nuanced, and lasting, just like said 30-year-old Scotch.

Richard Williams, their notorious, old father and coach, announced, when Venus won her first title, that his two daughter’s would ultimately find that their greatest rival would be each other.

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It only makes sense that Serena Williams, who finally reclaimed the No. 1 WTA ranking, should also regain the No. 1 Power Ranking and end 2009 as the reigning top player.

She won the year-end tournament in Doha, which turned out to be an endurance contest rather than a tennis tournament. There was as much tape wrapped on legs, knees, feet, elbows, wrists, and fingers as there are miles of road leading to Doha.

It gives the debate about scheduling more teeth as the tour heads into 2010. Week after week in 2009, the top pros were pulling out of tournaments or trying to play hurt because of the impossible schedule imposed upon them.

This is a monumental problem for both the women and the men. It is hard to deliver when you have no legs to stand on. But some did. Regardless, the final 10 for 2009…

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Dinara Safina surpasses Serena Williams to once again be ranked number one at Sony Ericsson Championships that begin on October 27 in Qatar.

Finally the end of another agonizing year for the women’s tour is upon us.  As the eight top seeds in the women’s game head off to Doha, the tournament will reveal once and for all who will end 2009 ranked
numero uno.

Poetically, Dinara Safina surpasses Serena Williams to once again be ranked number one as they enter the season-ending Sony Ericsson Championships that begin on October 27 in Qatar.  Currently Safina is
ranked five points behind Serena Williams.

As of October 26 when the new rankings come out, the points from last year’s championship will come off the totals.  Safina has earned more points than any other player after winning titles in Rome, Madrid and Portoroz as well as reaching six finals.  Therefore, she has earned the number one seed.

Throughout the year players earn points but only the top eight players are awarded entry into the Sony Ericsson Championship Tournament.  For doubles, it is the top four teams that gain entry into the year-ending championship.

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