This tennis grand slam season have seen ups, downs, fattened bank accounts and what-have-yous so below are 10 things that certainly caught my eye in this intriguing season that has regrettably come to an end.
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| FROM L-R THE GRAND SLAM IN ORDER OF SEASON SCHEDULE |
1. THE TENNIS WORLD JUST GOT RICHER!!!!!
Ever since Billie Jean King rallied with her peers demanding for increased funding and equal earnings with their male counterparts in '70s, tennis prize money has garnered a meteoric rise over the years. Two years ago, a Roger Federer led revolt demanding for an increment in total earnings saw the prize money across the grand slam board improve markedly. This year alone, about $148m was billed the total prize money (as the US open pays the highest at the singles event; $3m excluding additional cash prize from sponsors to the title winners). It should however be noted THAT the various grand slam tournaments compete amongst each other to improve their tournament profile all in a bid to draw fans, competitors and sponsors thus the prize money has to the talking and walking! Endorsement deals also don’t come cheap these days for players and of course eventual winners. All these prove further that MONEY is a KEY COMPONENT…And this is just the BEGINNING!
Ever since Billie Jean King rallied with her peers demanding for increased funding and equal earnings with their male counterparts in '70s, tennis prize money has garnered a meteoric rise over the years. Two years ago, a Roger Federer led revolt demanding for an increment in total earnings saw the prize money across the grand slam board improve markedly. This year alone, about $148m was billed the total prize money (as the US open pays the highest at the singles event; $3m excluding additional cash prize from sponsors to the title winners). It should however be noted THAT the various grand slam tournaments compete amongst each other to improve their tournament profile all in a bid to draw fans, competitors and sponsors thus the prize money has to the talking and walking! Endorsement deals also don’t come cheap these days for players and of course eventual winners. All these prove further that MONEY is a KEY COMPONENT…And this is just the BEGINNING!
2. THE GENIE AND THE GENIE ARMY
If she could grant her wish of winning a Grand slam title in this epic year, Genie would do so in a heartbeat as her name suggests but what a year it has been for the 20 year old Canadian. Eugenie Bouchard who started the year in the top 100 ranking has catapulted to the top 10 and doesn’t seem to be slowing down. She is the first player to reach the first three grand slam tournaments in a year with the last being a heart breaking final loss to Petra Kvitova in Wimbledon. Her quick returns, key groundstrokes and gutsy approach makes her a tremendous giant slayer but more importantly, one to ascend the WTA throne if she keeps improving at this rate. Not only does she mesmerize on the court, her loyal fan base does so too, on and off it. THE GENIE ARMY as they’re known as have supported her since winning the junior Wimbledon title two years ago and they haven’t looked back. This unique 'fandom' consists of loyalists who are ALWAYS vocal and ready to cheer. Here is wishing that the GENIE and her ARMY can keep wowing us for years to come.
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| NO PARTY WITHOUT THE ARMY!! |
3. THE SNAKE....
Hold that Thought! I don’t mean one who is sly or coy but in this reference is likened to game where the term ‘SNAKE’ means a sudden decline so yes, there have been major declines especially from players we expected to challenge in the majors and Andy Murray leads the pack. Not only did he not successfully defend his title but he's nowhere near the form that gave him two major titles in 2012 and 2013 and has oft times struggled to keep up. Other players who have followed suit are Juan Martin Del Potro (understandably through a lengthy lay off due to a wrist injury), David Ferrer, Jo Wilfried Tsonga, Richard Gasquet and John Isner. In the women's draw leads Vika Azarenka who has gone from finalist and world number two in 2013 to languishing in 24th place albeit due to injuries. Also, Sam Stosur with each passing year looks a shadow of her former self, Agnieszka Radwanska, Angelique Kerber and finally, Wimbledon 2013 finalist, Sabine Lisicki.
Hold that Thought! I don’t mean one who is sly or coy but in this reference is likened to game where the term ‘SNAKE’ means a sudden decline so yes, there have been major declines especially from players we expected to challenge in the majors and Andy Murray leads the pack. Not only did he not successfully defend his title but he's nowhere near the form that gave him two major titles in 2012 and 2013 and has oft times struggled to keep up. Other players who have followed suit are Juan Martin Del Potro (understandably through a lengthy lay off due to a wrist injury), David Ferrer, Jo Wilfried Tsonga, Richard Gasquet and John Isner. In the women's draw leads Vika Azarenka who has gone from finalist and world number two in 2013 to languishing in 24th place albeit due to injuries. Also, Sam Stosur with each passing year looks a shadow of her former self, Agnieszka Radwanska, Angelique Kerber and finally, Wimbledon 2013 finalist, Sabine Lisicki.
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| NOT THE BEST OF TIMES NOW IS IT, ANDY LAD? |
4. THE LADDER.......
And of course we have the LADDER which I'm sure we're acquainted with in this context meaning the most improved players in 2014 on the majors circuit. First and foremost, the latest grand slam champion Marin Cilic who went from being suspended over a doping scandal for the better part of last year to teaming up with fellow Croat and 2001 Wimbledon Champion, Goran Ivanisevic to clinch his 12th career title and his first major title. Comically, he's the first palindrome champion since Monica SELES. Stan 'The Man' Wawrinka, the Australian Open champion has been fascinating. One cannot forget Roger Federer who has sniffed around another grand slam title all year long. Stefan Edberg has certainly fine tuned the record holder and his finesse has seen us dream again. Other worthy mentions include Grigor Dmitrov alias "Baby Fed" (a comparison to a younger version of Roger Federer in terms of playing style) but better known as Sharapova's beau, the hard hitting Canadian Milos Raonic, US open finalist Kei Nishikori and finally, the wild card Nadal slayer who has turned heads all year, Nick Kyrgios. On the women's note, Maria Sharapova has crowned her effort with another grand slam, as well as grand slam title newbie, Petra Kvitova and the grand Asian Queen, Li Na. Bar Eugenie Bouchard, other worthy mentions include the feisty Romanian, Simona Halep, Venus Williams and another Asian, Shuai Peng.
And of course we have the LADDER which I'm sure we're acquainted with in this context meaning the most improved players in 2014 on the majors circuit. First and foremost, the latest grand slam champion Marin Cilic who went from being suspended over a doping scandal for the better part of last year to teaming up with fellow Croat and 2001 Wimbledon Champion, Goran Ivanisevic to clinch his 12th career title and his first major title. Comically, he's the first palindrome champion since Monica SELES. Stan 'The Man' Wawrinka, the Australian Open champion has been fascinating. One cannot forget Roger Federer who has sniffed around another grand slam title all year long. Stefan Edberg has certainly fine tuned the record holder and his finesse has seen us dream again. Other worthy mentions include Grigor Dmitrov alias "Baby Fed" (a comparison to a younger version of Roger Federer in terms of playing style) but better known as Sharapova's beau, the hard hitting Canadian Milos Raonic, US open finalist Kei Nishikori and finally, the wild card Nadal slayer who has turned heads all year, Nick Kyrgios. On the women's note, Maria Sharapova has crowned her effort with another grand slam, as well as grand slam title newbie, Petra Kvitova and the grand Asian Queen, Li Na. Bar Eugenie Bouchard, other worthy mentions include the feisty Romanian, Simona Halep, Venus Williams and another Asian, Shuai Peng.
5. AN ASIAN REVOLUTION ON OUR HANDS
Watch Out for the Asians!!
Li Na who had been the best thing to happen to Asia in tennis history has led the way for a new spring of Asian gems. Not only did Li Na win the Australian Open but other Asians did hold their own to eradicate records of the last Asian in a grand slam final since 1918 albeit in the men's draw. Kei Nishikori battled hard in the majors but the most unforgettable was surely his US Open run which was halted abruptly by Marin Cilic in the finals. Shuai Peng in the women's draw has been an unlikely subject of interest as she's served her way to the top 20 in the world and World No. 1 in the Doubles category, a feat achieved in February (followed in May 2014 by Su-Wei Hsieh who was World No. 1 as well) and the first Asian player to ever reach the summit of tennis rankings. A continent home to about three billion people can surely take inspiration from these trio as they slowly but stealthily place their imprints in the sport just the same way their respective countrymen have done in Ping Pong!!!
Watch Out for the Asians!!
Li Na who had been the best thing to happen to Asia in tennis history has led the way for a new spring of Asian gems. Not only did Li Na win the Australian Open but other Asians did hold their own to eradicate records of the last Asian in a grand slam final since 1918 albeit in the men's draw. Kei Nishikori battled hard in the majors but the most unforgettable was surely his US Open run which was halted abruptly by Marin Cilic in the finals. Shuai Peng in the women's draw has been an unlikely subject of interest as she's served her way to the top 20 in the world and World No. 1 in the Doubles category, a feat achieved in February (followed in May 2014 by Su-Wei Hsieh who was World No. 1 as well) and the first Asian player to ever reach the summit of tennis rankings. A continent home to about three billion people can surely take inspiration from these trio as they slowly but stealthily place their imprints in the sport just the same way their respective countrymen have done in Ping Pong!!!
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| AUSTRALIAN OPEN CHAMPION, LI NA |
6.
THE MEN'S DRAW GRADUALLY BECOMING AN OPEN BOOK
Men's Tennis from inception has been a game of cat and mouse, all mice, all cats then back to cat and mouse and the cycle continues. If we date back to the '80s, every grand slam had one of Ivan Lendl, Jimmy Connors, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, Mark Wilander, Jim Courier, John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg winning at least one or two grand slam titles in a year. This was the trend for this 'octuplets' bar one or two surprise wins by Brian Teacher, Pat cash etc. Fast Forward the '90s and it’s a different kettle of fish as you throw in Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Sergi Brugera and it was very much open up until 2004 when the big wigs Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer dominated the circuit winning more than one grand slam title in a year and alternating amongst themselves. Novak Djokovic was inducted and then the big three basked in this trend until 2012 where for the first time since 2003, four different players won the majors (2012 winners class- Djokovic, Nadal, Federer, Andy Murray). At least the 2012 class were the big four but in 2014, Stan Wawrinka and Marin Cilic sandwiching Djokovic and Nadal were ranked 8th and 16th respectively just before the championship wins. Top guns struggled to get to the finals which makes everyone think......Are the major players suddenly getting deposed? If it is, then it isn’t such a bad thing as it is encouraging to see younger talents rise up to the challenge however, will the game in turn lose its credibility? 2015 certainly looks scarier in that regard as dark horses loom everywhere with the men slowly reverting to the '90s were it was simply.....an Open Book!!!
Men's Tennis from inception has been a game of cat and mouse, all mice, all cats then back to cat and mouse and the cycle continues. If we date back to the '80s, every grand slam had one of Ivan Lendl, Jimmy Connors, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, Mark Wilander, Jim Courier, John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg winning at least one or two grand slam titles in a year. This was the trend for this 'octuplets' bar one or two surprise wins by Brian Teacher, Pat cash etc. Fast Forward the '90s and it’s a different kettle of fish as you throw in Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Sergi Brugera and it was very much open up until 2004 when the big wigs Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer dominated the circuit winning more than one grand slam title in a year and alternating amongst themselves. Novak Djokovic was inducted and then the big three basked in this trend until 2012 where for the first time since 2003, four different players won the majors (2012 winners class- Djokovic, Nadal, Federer, Andy Murray). At least the 2012 class were the big four but in 2014, Stan Wawrinka and Marin Cilic sandwiching Djokovic and Nadal were ranked 8th and 16th respectively just before the championship wins. Top guns struggled to get to the finals which makes everyone think......Are the major players suddenly getting deposed? If it is, then it isn’t such a bad thing as it is encouraging to see younger talents rise up to the challenge however, will the game in turn lose its credibility? 2015 certainly looks scarier in that regard as dark horses loom everywhere with the men slowly reverting to the '90s were it was simply.....an Open Book!!!
. 7. SERENA WILLIAMS SHOWS NO SIGN OF BEING USURPED
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| THE 18 MAJOR TITLES CLUB! |
8. THE BATTLE OF THE CELEBRITY COACHES
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| FROM TOP TO BOTTOM- BECKER, LENDL AND EDBERG |
This season seem to signal the year of Superstar
coaches. It's not like there haven’t been a number of them tutoring their
tennis wards but the influx of successful names who dominated in the '80s and
'90s have been few and far between. Since Andy Murray acquired the services of
tennis great, Ivan Lendl (a partnership that brought major success and won him 2 grand
slams), celebrity coaches in the box have been on the rise. The Notable
coaches did win more than one grand slam title in their playing days but most were relatively inexperienced (coaching wise) as the best players don't necessarily make the best coaches. Novak- Boris Becker and Federer- Stefan Edberg signaled a sudden yet
unsurprising tilt towards an increased celebrity tennis team. Did it pay off? Let's
throw in Nishikori-Michael Chang, Cilic-Goran Ivanisevic, Gasquet-Sergi Brugera
and of course the trend setter who set another trend after parting ways with
Ivan Lendl earlier in the season, Andy Murray hiring former FEMALE grand slam champion, Amelie Mauresmo. Novak
and Cilic did win grand slam titles this year, Kei and Federer had a very improved
season while not much can be said about Gasquet and Andy Murray. It’s been extremely close to call…so
you I'll let YOU choose!!!
9. IT GETS HARDER TO TELL THE BEST ATMOSPHERE
The Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon
Championships and the US Open have thrilled for decades unending. Besides the
usual competition of who pays more and who can attract the most star studded
players on court; television audiences, court spectators and of course the
players have had to choose which of the big four possess a unique atmosphere which
readily suites them. From a great grand slam start which throws in a lot of
surprises and a very vociferous crowd on hand in Australia, to the pumped
up, battle ready atmosphere in France, to the timely, relaxing day sessions and a passionate crowd in Wimbledon as well as fantastic night sessions which
infuse music breaks over at the US Open, the battle gets amped year after year and it gets harder to pick the best!
10. NO FAIRYTALE RUN HAD A HAPPY ENDING
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| NOT A DREAM ENDING FOR KEI NISHIKORI |
Every lady likes a Cinderella story. Ever Man fancies a Desperado ending but everybody LOVES a Dark horse and 2014 has been a year of many. The Simona Halep 'takeover' was halted by Sharapova in the French Open final, An experienced Petra Kvitova (whom no one saw coming by the way) got the better of Eugenie Bouchard who had been the only player on tour to have reached the semis of the first three grand slam tournaments in her breakthrough year and finally Kei Nishikori whose continent was solidly behind him to be the first Asian man to bring back a maiden grand slam title (His coach, Micheal Chang is American of Asian descent). Kei's dream title was painfully stolen by a patient yet resilient Marin Cilic who had at least been in a grand slam semi before the epic showdown. So many could-have-been tales fell short. Well, wipe your tears and dust your shorts. 2015 is another year and maybe, just maybe there'll be a happy ending for another fairytale run.....that's if the BIG BOYS AND GIRLS DON’T CRASH THE NARRATIVE!!
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