2021 WTA Madrid Open - WTA 1000
- Thread starter Aussie Darcy
- Start date
D-Lite
Hall of Fame
Well well well... Who was expecting this to be THE potential rivalry of the clay season? Hopefully they meet again in Rome or at RG. Fingers crossed they're in opposite sides of the draw at RG as if they both maintain this form it could really be a thrilling showdown. I'm not a huge fan of people dominating a season but I'd like to see a real short and intense chapter of this rivalry this clay season.
James P
G.O.A.T.
Potential QF opponents in Rome.
D-Lite
Hall of Fame
Ah didn't realise the draw was already out - thanks!
D-Lite
Hall of Fame
Many are saying the same as you!
aussie
Professional
They're probably destined to meet in many more matches in the future which will be great to witness. The contrast in style both physical and mental will ensure it's a fascinating rivalry.
The power game of Aryna versus the tactical, analytical game of Ash. The heart on sleeve, emotional mental frame of mind of Aryna versus the calm, restrained mental state that Ash brings.
One thing for sure is that Ash cannot keep coming from behind to win three setters. Even though her three set winning record is incredible, the physical and mental toll catches up eventually. The old saying "you can only go to the well so many times" is spot on.
Congrats Aryna on winning this one following your recent close final losses and congrats Ash for making another final and cementing your #1 position.
The power game of Aryna versus the tactical, analytical game of Ash. The heart on sleeve, emotional mental frame of mind of Aryna versus the calm, restrained mental state that Ash brings.
One thing for sure is that Ash cannot keep coming from behind to win three setters. Even though her three set winning record is incredible, the physical and mental toll catches up eventually. The old saying "you can only go to the well so many times" is spot on.
Congrats Aryna on winning this one following your recent close final losses and congrats Ash for making another final and cementing your #1 position.
Harry_Wild
G.O.A.T.
graycrait
Legend
My wife and I absolutely loved this match. Sabalenka was literally "on fire" the first set, all her faculties and skills were clicking, then for some reason they were misfiring during the second set and some of the third, but they came back before it was too late. If Sabalenka can minimize that space were she misfires she will be unbeatable. I just don't know how an elite athlete and sportsperson can run at 100% for the length of time it takes to complete 2 or even 3 sets. It was educational to watch unflappable Barty plug away at a decently high level countering the mercurial Sabalenka. I would truly like see Barty's slices at eye level, maybe someday...
D-Lite
Hall of Fame
Ash's sportsmanship is outstanding. What a great role model to hold the #1 spot.
aussie
Professional
I've been fortunate enough to watch her early development at the Richlands Tennis Centre in western Brisbane. I used to live less than 15 minutes from the courts and my son used to be coached by Jim Joyce who also coached Ash. Jim put a lot of work into developing the backhand slice of Ash as an offensive weapon and it truly is a stroke of beauty.
What's remarkable about Ash doing so well on clay is that there are next to none in Australia. The Richlands courts are all hardcourts and there are still some nice grasscourts around where Ash learnt her craft. The European players are virtually born and raised on clay so it is very natural for them.
It's also refreshing to listen to Ash striking the ball - you hear nothing. Taking nothing away from Arnya's playing ability which is quite remarkable, it does become grating listening to the shrieking accompanying every ball strike.
She's not alone of course but this horse has long bolted and it's such a blight on the game.
graycrait
Legend
I have to agree with this. We "endured" sitting in the stands in some "good" seats at Miami one time watching both Sharapova and Azarenka in separate matches. At least on the flat screen I can mute or turn down the volume, but I wonder if it is necessary or is an effect of learned gamesmanship? Cannot one expel air for explosive core effort without a shriek? Is it a physiological unavoidable fact for certain body types? I get an unavoidable grunt on some specific shots. Shrieking on virtually every shot gets tiresome to me as a fan. If I had to play someone like that these days I would just walk off the court, bag my racket and go home. However, I do like laughter, praising opponents' good shots and some smack talk, probably not appropriate for pro game "focus" though
volleyandfun
Hall of Fame
Maybe we can pioneer a new rule in tennis, NO GROUNTING!I have to agree with this. We "endured" sitting in the stands in some "good" seats at Miami one time watching both Sharapova and Azarenka in separate matches. At least on the flat screen I can mute or turn down the volume, but I wonder if it is necessary or is an effect of learned gamesmanship? Cannot one expel air for explosive core effort without a shriek? Is it a physiological unavoidable fact for certain body types? I get an unavoidable grunt on some specific shots. Shrieking on virtually every shot gets tiresome to me as a fan. If I had to play someone like that these days I would just walk off the court, bag my racket and go home. However, I do like laughter, praising opponents' good shots and some smack talk, probably not appropriate for pro game "focus" though
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