About Venus and Serena in 2021.....

[MichaelNadal]

Firstly Venus, im so ready to see this woman play and im going to soak in every match no matter the result and just enjoy seeing this majestic queen out there pushing herself as far as she can at 40. I hope more people will watch her matches, as I expect this to be her last year (or penultimate year for sure if not).

And Serena...... who I have really only started to appreciate the past few years, im ready to watch go for 24 and see what she can do in this last phase of her career. Again, I hope whether people love or hate Serena I hope we can enjoy the effort these women have brough to tennis since the mid 90's. American tennis at least will never be the same when they are gone. Good luck girls

 

[CYGS]

Both should retire

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

I'd be honest here, sir.
While I wish them good luck, I've never rooted for either of the Williams sisters. Osaka and Gauff are the first American women players I'm rooting for since I started following tennis.

 

[MichaelNadal]

I'd be honest here, sir.
While I wish them good luck, I've never rooted for either of the Williams sisters. Osaka and Gauff are the first American women players I'm rooting for since I started following tennis.

Naomi has a ton of potential. Coco too but right now it looks like Naomi might be the real deal. Love her

Both should retire

Sadly, both are about to, hence the thread. Cheer them or boo them, just give them the time

 

[jarko111]

It is sad to watch two greats slowly decline. Venus just can't move like she once did. Man, for the longest time she was really the most aggressive hitter on both sides. If I had to pick a best forehand or backhand shot on the WTA, she'd probably be my pick for forehand. But then something happened.. and a whole new generation of US Ladies and Naomi Osaka just stepped up and took the power and speed game to another level.
With Serena, she's still a threat but, again, 2020 did her no favors. She probably had to win last year to get to 24. Again, she's a step or two slower than many of the US Ladies.
But it will be fun to see what she does. It was sad to watch Jennifer and Lindsay slowly lose speed and power. It will be sad to watch Vee and Serena go out, as well.

 

[zipplock]

Both should retire

I like you

 

[MeatTornado]

On a purely tennis level I have nothing but respect for what the two of them are still doing at their age.

 

[clout]

I'd be honest here, sir.
While I wish them good luck, I've never rooted for either of the Williams sisters. Osaka and Gauff are the first American women players I'm rooting for since I started following tennis.

Osaka is from Japan lol. That's like saying Lendl, Navratilova, and Sharapova are Americans as well

 

[clout]

On a purely tennis level I have nothing but respect for what the two of them are still doing at their age.

This applies more so for Venus since she really has nothing to play for at this stage in her career. Serena is simply trying to salvage her last years to get the all time record, which is why she's basically been a part time player since coming back. I thought it was a foregone conclusion that she'd get 24 and 25 but now I'm not sure she can even get 24.

 

[MeatTornado]

This applies more so for Venus since she really has nothing to play for at this stage in her career. Serena is simply trying to salvage her last years to get the all time record, which is why she's basically been a part time player since coming back. I thought it was a foregone conclusion that she'd get 24 and 25 but now I'm not sure she can even get 24.

I have respect for Serena being out there competing at nearly 40 post-pregnancy, even if it's not purely for the love of the game. We all know she's chasing the record, but the fact that she's able to be competitive and make serious runs at her age is impressive as hell, regardless of what I think about her.

 

[JustMy2Cents]

For me it's a bit tough to watch the visible decline of past greats!
I do applaud their grit and desire though!
Hopefully there is a last hurrah, and they go out with a bang , not fade away with a whimper!

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

Naomi has a ton of potential. Coco too but right now it looks like Naomi might be the real deal. Love her

Yes. She is also very cute and Charming.

 

[Robbymack]

Lost what little respect I had left for Serena after the 18 open final. Venus has pretty much been a non factor for 10 years and is of little relevance anymore. Their only redeeming quality at this point is longevity which speaks to their commitment to fitness which can be admired...I guess.

 

[kevin qmto]

Venus's win over Slone Stephens last year in an exo was probably her last good performance. And most people probably wouldn't count it but I'll let her have it.

 

[jarko111]

Mind you, if they retire then come back as doubles specialists... just because we've seen that happen a few times and Venus has always joked (in both documentaries) she hoped Serena would play doubles with her when they were no longer viable singles players.. if that happens.. They could be around for what.. a lot longer.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Lost what little respect I had left for Serena after the 18 open final. Venus has pretty much been a non factor for 10 years and is of little relevance anymore. Their only redeeming quality at this point is longevity which speaks to their commitment to fitness which can be admired...I guess.

Venus made 2 slam finals and a semi in 2017...... and the final of the womens WTF. (and also lead the tour in prize money for that year). Non-factor is a bit much though of course she should have snagged one of those 3 big matches.

 

[MeatTornado]

Lost what little respect I had left for Serena after the 18 open final. Venus has pretty much been a non factor for 10 years and is of little relevance anymore. Their only redeeming quality at this point is longevity which speaks to their commitment to fitness which can be admired...I guess.

It's not just physical fitness. There's a mental strength to staying out on tour that long even when you're not winning titles. Tour life is a grind.

Pete burned out mentally when he was only 31. Borg when he was 26. Both were in great shape, but obviously it takes more than to be on tour.

 

[Ronaldo]

Other than Martina, not too many women continue playing at 40 & beyond.

 

[Ronaldo]

It's not just physical fitness. There's a mental strength to staying out on tour that long even when you're not winning titles. Tour life is a grind.

Pete burned out mentally when he was only 31. Borg when he was 26. Both were in great shape, but obviously it takes more than to be on tour.

Steffi is a cautionary tale, maybe AA too

 

[Backspin1183]

Naomi has a ton of potential. Coco too but right now it looks like Naomi might be the real deal. Love her



Sadly, both are about to, hence the thread. Cheer them or boo them, just give them the time

I like Coco too. Hope she will work hard to win many big titles including a few Slams.

 

[volleyandfun]

Osaka is from Japan lol. That's like saying Lendl, Navratilova, and Sharapova are Americans as well

While Osaka and Sharapova were born outside of US, they maintain their original citizenship and represent Japan and Russia respectively.
Navratilova on the other hand was representing US and Lendl applied for US citizenship with a sole purpose to represent US in olympics.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Compton Queens (Best rallies at Wimbledon)

 

[Russeljones]

Hoping Serena has one miracle final left in her. She needs that closure to move on. Venus would have been the same queen in any vocation in life. I hope she does something with tennis pist retirement. The women's game needs an ambassador like her.

 

[terribleIVAN]

Serena's gamesmanship is the principal reason i stopped watching womens tennis.

Her and Federer share the same problem: they don't know when to stop - in all domains-.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Serena's gamesmanship is the principal reason i stopped watching womens tennis.

Her and Federer share the same problem: they don't know when to stop - in all domains-.

I feel she's gotten better at it but what turned me off Serena so many years was her attitude on court if a match isn't going her way. Venus has had FAR worse issues as far as things she's gone through on court, and she literally hasn't had an outburst since 1998 lol.

8:35 and 13:25

 

[roysid]

Osaka is from Japan lol. That's like saying Lendl, Navratilova, and Sharapova are Americans as well

I also had a laugh from the original post. Osaka living all her life in USA and involved in US issues, one can easily get confused she is American

Btw lendl and navratilova are Americans. They have taken citizenship of USA so they are naturalized Americans. And they changed citizenship while playing itself. Sharapova isnt American as far as i know, shes permanent resident though

 

[Ronaldo]

Hoping Serena has one miracle final left in her. She needs that closure to move on. Venus would have been the same queen in any vocation in life. I hope she does something with tennis pist retirement. The women's game needs an ambassador like her.

Ckout her ESPN 30/30. Ironic Serene, eh?

 

[MichaelNadal]

Venus on the Kelly Clarkson show yesterday:

Serena on Stephen Colbert this week:

 

[Phoenix1983]

I have respect for Serena being out there competing at nearly 40 post-pregnancy, even if it's not purely for the love of the game. We all know she's chasing the record, but the fact that she's able to be competitive and make serious runs at her age is impressive as hell, regardless of what I think about her.

Serena at #11 aged 39 and Venus at #80 aged 40 have to be two of the highest ranked players at those ages in WTA history.

(I presume Date was probably the last to be ranked higher than Venus at an older age. Not sure any woman has been ranked that highly aged 39 before?)

 

[Ronaldo]

Serena at #11 aged 39 and Venus at #80 aged 40 have to be two of the highest ranked players at those ages in WTA history.

(I presume Date was probably the last to be ranked higher than Venus at an older age. Not sure any woman has been ranked that highly aged 39 before?)

MN?

 

[MichaelNadal]

MN?

Hmm? Lol

 

[Moose Malloy]

Serena at #11 aged 39 and Venus at #80 aged 40 have to be two of the highest ranked players at those ages in WTA history.

(I presume Date was probably the last to be ranked higher than Venus at an older age. Not sure any woman has been ranked that highly aged 39 before?)

Billie Jean King ended 1983 ranked 12. She turned 40 in November of that year. In September she was ranked 8.

Renee Richards ended 1977 ranked 22. She was 43

 

[King No1e]

Firstly Venus, im so ready to see this woman play and im going to soak in every match no matter the result and just enjoy seeing this majestic queen out there pushing herself as far as she can at 40. I hope more people will watch her matches, as I expect this to be her last year (or penultimate year for sure if not).

And Serena...... who I have really only started to appreciate the past few years, im ready to watch go for 24 and see what she can do in this last phase of her career. Again, I hope whether people love or hate Serena I hope we can enjoy the effort these women have brough to tennis since the mid 90's. American tennis at least will never be the same when they are gone. Good luck girls

It'll be the end of an era when they retire. The Williams sisters defined the game in a way perhaps even Fedalovic didn't.

 

[Enceladus]

Venus is a special case. She is still playing on a professional tour, although she is losing in the first rounds. In the situation she is in, many leading tennis players have ended their careers, but Venus still refuses to do so. She probably can't imagine life after tennis.

 

[BackhandDTL]

Hate to say it but I hope that drama queen gets spanked endlessly by Swiatek or Andreescu and is left no choice other than retirement.

Venus is great though.

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

Her and Federer share the same problem: they don't know when to stop - in all domains-.

...little did terribleIVAN know that his post triggered a pack of Federer's easily rattled, Talk Tennis Warehouse worshipers into waiting for him around a corner with torches and baseball bats....

 

[Harry_Wild]

Venus can continue on the WTA in singles until she falls below the 150 ranking where she can not go into qualifying tournaments for WTA 250 tournaments. Venus should do doubles now so she can be in the main draw of tournaments still if she cannot qualify for in singles. Most MD WTA has a cut off around 40-60 ranked. GS is 120. If Venus can compete in both, she will make history surpassing Martina Navotiva.

 

[terribleIVAN]

...little did terribleIVAN know that his post triggered a pack of Federer's easily rattled, Talk Tennis Warehouse worshipers into waiting for him around a corner with torches and baseball bats....

An angry mob looking for my blood, i think i can handle that.

It's rather an irate Mirka that's really scaring the bejesus out of me.

 

[airchallenge2]

Osaka is from Japan lol. That's like saying Lendl, Navratilova, and Sharapova are Americans as well

Didn't she spent like 90% of her young life in States? Plus, even her dad is not Japanese. If you asked her, I bet she doesn't see herself as Japanese either.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Serena's outfit is on point

 

[PDJ]

Wishing Venus all the best. A gracious champion.

Serena? Umm, I like to see what she's going to wear (always fun, if oft misguided); if she might implode; videos with her fashion accessory daughter; and, I do admire (genuinely) her relentless obsessive search for two more majors.

Oh, and her uber fanatics, they just add to the merriment.

 

[Sudacafan]

Both should retire

Why? They don't do anything better than playing tennis.

 

[alexio]

Why? They don't do anything better than playing tennis.

 

[Sudacafan]

I only hope Fidel Castro never saw that.

 

[fuzz nation]

Hoping Serena has one miracle final left in her. She needs that closure to move on. Venus would have been the same queen in any vocation in life. I hope she does something with tennis pist retirement. The women's game needs an ambassador like her.

The Williams sisters have earned every bit of their success on the courts and I won't argue with their greatness as competitors. I'm honestly stunned that Venus has quietly sustained her level and kept her competitive fires burning year after year and is still going so strong.

That being said, I can't for one second look upon Serena as any sort of ambassador of the game. She's been a self-involved diva for most of her years as a pro and her conduct cost her both the US Open semifinal vs Kim Clijsters in '09 and also the US Open final against Naomi Osaka in '18.

The sport needs ambassadors who respect it enough to meet it standards, not disregard them and throw tantrums on its biggest stages. Serena has been a dominant player, but when it comes to looking for somebody to emulate, I'll look elsewhere.

 

[fed1]

The Williams sisters have earned every bit of their success on the courts and I won't argue with their greatness as competitors. I'm honestly stunned that Venus has quietly sustained her level and kept her competitive fires burning year after year and is still going so strong.

That being said, I can't for one second look upon Serena as any sort of ambassador of the game. She's been a self-involved diva for most of her years as a pro and her conduct cost her both the US Open semifinal vs Kim Clijsters in '09 and also the US Open final against Naomi Osaka in '18.

The sport needs ambassadors who respect it enough to meet it standards, not disregard them and throw tantrums on its biggest stages. Serena has been a dominant player, but when it comes to looking for somebody to emulate, I'll look elsewhere.

Agree with almost everything, Venus for the better part of a couple of years has just been an opponent. She’s had a couple miracle runs but her aura is long gone.
The women’s tour needs to focus on the players who truly support the tour and the growth of the tour. Do you think Serena cares a lick about the tour? She shows up to Grand Slams and thats about it. The occasional tour events she shows up for she more often than not withdraws.

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

Ah, more "I want tennis to be a dying country club event between drinks" posts.

The obsessive, dangerous hatred of Serena never ends.

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

Wishing Venus all the best. A gracious champion.

Serena? Umm, I like to see what she's going to wear (always fun, if oft misguided); if she might implode; videos with her fashion accessory daughter; and, I do admire (genuinely) her relentless obsessive search for two more majors.

Oh, and her uber fanatics, they just add to the merriment.

Referring to Serena's child as a "fashion accessory." There is no such think as going too low for you and your ilk, and are in no place to judge anyone.

 

[a10best]

I don't like them as players but appreciate all they gave and achieved.
Ya' know, now I am pulling for them because they're old and inserted some strategic changes in their game.
You can see their maturation into their late 30s, and how they act and speak.
Plus, they simply enjoy the competition and understand losses nowadays are part of the enjoyment of playing.

 

[a10best]

Referring to Serena's child as a "fashion accessory." There is no such think as going too low for you and your ilk, and are in no place to judge anyone.

I'd rather any celebrity or sports star NOT put their young children in any spotlight. Let them enjoy a normal life with privacy until they're a teenager.