Australian Open Women's Final: 60 Grand Slams, 4 Legends

[russ_watters]

My interest in tennis has waned somewhat over the years, but I did DVR the Australian Open Women's Final and I'm watching it now (no spoilers, but I already know who won). In introducing the match, one of the commentators said this may be "the greatest weekend in the history of tennis" and I agree:

Serena, Venus, Rafa and Roger. A sibling rivalry, three (sorry Venus) all-time tennis greats, and one who has to be in the top ten greatest modern athletes of any sport/gender. They have 60 Grand Slam [singles] wins among them. Still; none of them is under 30. Are they that great (probably) or is the younger crop just not up to snuff (probably too)?

Anyone else watching?

[Also, 10 points for anyone who can identify the reference in the title.]

 

[fresh_42]

I must pass on the title question, but I think Serena's success can be explained by her strength, which is close to male tennis and therefore superior to the tennis of her female competitors. I think that also her weight might play a role, as it enables her to hit faster balls. Physics, if you ask me. Or angular momentum to be more precise.

I'm not sure whether Rafael (on hard court) belongs into your list. I think Novak is the better tennis player on this ground. But that's only a personal opinion.

 

[PeroK]

Sounds like something Eddie Murphy might say.

 

[UsableThought]

I must pass on the title question, but I think Serena's success can be explained by her strength, which is close to male tennis and therefore superior to the tennis of her female competitors. I think that also her weight might play a role, as it enables her to hit faster balls. Physics, if you ask me.

That wouldn't be the judgement of her peers, or of knowledgeable commentators, coaches, or fans. These days there are plenty of players in the women's game who hit as hard or harder than Serena, many of whom are also taller & thus enjoy greater leverage in their swings; but none have enjoyed her consistent success. You'll want to look elsewhere than strength or mass for the reasons.

Aside from that, the "she's built like a man" argument has frequently been hauled out not just against Serena but other women tennis players and against women in other sports. You presumably didn't intend to be offensive, but many will see it that way, given that it is also inaccurate.

 

[UsableThought]

Anyone else watching?

Because I am a devout Fed fan, I could not watch much of the Fed-Nadal final . . . out of fear the usual would happen. So I missed most of THE MOST UNBELIEVABLE TENNIS MATCH EVER. Apparently all the air molecules in the arena at Melbourne went to one side of the arena ALL AT THE SAME TIME leaving A COMPLETE VACUUM ON THE OTHER SIDE.

Or something like that.

Holy s____t!

 

[PeroK]

I've just watched the highlights and I think I've seen the impossible. How do you beat someone that a) hardly makes an unforced error; b) hits a winner if given the chance and c) always plays their best when break point down?

Even though I knew the result I, I spent the entire match convinced Rafa couldn't lose. He looked like the proverbial immovable object.

I suppose it has taken Federer 10 years to beat Nadal in a Grand Slam. I watched it, but I still don't know how he did it.