Serena Williams is announcing that she’s not playing anymore tennis this year… and I think it’s entirely possible that she won’t be playing again. It seems like every time there’s a major tournament, Serena’s withdrawing. I know she’s had a lot of injuries, but I also don’t think she loves the game a great deal. And that’s not a criticism, it just seems to be true. Some people are consumed by their sports, some people aren’t.
I’m not saying she can’t come back, of course… if Martina Hingis can get back to a high level, then certainly Serena could get back to frightening the hell out of every tiny white woman on tour. I just don’t know that she wants that. She likes designing clothes, acting, crushing coconuts with her thighs, and starring in many of my more violent masturbatory fantasies… and I don’t think she should be begrudged these things, because they bring her so much joy.
No matter what happens, if she never plays again… Serena Williams in her prime was better than any other women’s tennis player ever, in their prime. I dunno if you can call her the best ever, it depends on how you judge those things… but Serena at her best, I believe would beat anyone else at their best, and it might be something like 6-1, 6-2. So I do hope she gets herself back next year… and if not, I’ll be seeing a lot of her anyway.
Sean
This is indeed the secret of how single guys stay alive
April 18, 2006 at 11:30 pm
jerloma
I don’t think either one of them ever really had their heart into the game. Ironically, their dad withheld them from ever competing until they joined the tour for the sole purpose of them not getting burnt out. Regardless, on their best days, Graf beats Serena. I’m sure she gets inside her fair share of masturbatory fantasies as well.
April 19, 2006 at 9:31 am
DookieStyle
Not better than Steffi Graf in her prime.
April 19, 2006 at 9:55 am
Lucy's Spunk
I think you’re on the mark. As one of five people who actually watched her and Venus’ reality show last summer, Serena definitely came across as being tired of the tennis grind and was just going through the motions. On the other hand you could tell how excited she was with the fashion and acting projects (though I hope she gave the heave-ho to Bret Ratner since the show. He just oozes smarm.). I’d be very surprised if she comes back next year.
April 19, 2006 at 10:52 am
Bouj
I don’t know about that Graf thing. Venus and Serena are freaking yolked. Graf was an excellent tennis player. But the Williams sisters could counter Graf’s touch and accuracy with power and placement. It’s a fun argument, but I don’t think it’s hands-down either way.
How about a tourney of in-their-prime Graf, Serena, Navratilova, and Seles, the best 4 players of the last 25 years?
April 19, 2006 at 3:45 pm
jerloma
Graf was a little more than touch and accuracy. I think you’re describing Chris Evert. Graf at the time had the biggest forehand in the game by far. Put her in today’s era with the way racket technology has advanced in the last 10-20 years and she probably still would. She had a huge serve as well.
Okay, on a somewhat depressing note, I’ve never felt compelled to leave a comment on this site before but for some reason Women’s tennis got me to make that leap. For an adolescent kid growing up in the late 80′s-early 90′s, Steffi was always a bit of a guilty pleasure.
April 19, 2006 at 4:22 pm
lynn
Someone besides their family watched that reality show?
I’m mortified. I’m mystified. I’m stunned. And, I’m worried about your hobbies.
Anyway, make sure you check out Chris Evert’s letter (ironic letter) in fact, to Serena in this month’s Tennis. The sad thing is that Serena could have been the greatest female player of all time…. I’m not a fan of hers mind, but disappointed in her lack of respect for a sport I highly regard.
April 19, 2006 at 8:53 pm
Smith
No way she beats Graf, Navratilova, or Seles in their primes. Graf beat Serena twice well after Steffi was past her prime, Steffi in her prime would beat Serena. Steffi is the greatest mover in the history of the women’s game.
Seles in her prime was the hardest-hitter of the ball I’d ever seen on the women’s side and the most mentally tough, she would have beaten Serena as well. Sorry.
Everyone else, Serena would beat, yes.
Anyways, if Serena wants to stop playing tennis, more power to her. I hope she’s happy in whatever she wants to do with her life.
April 19, 2006 at 11:17 pm
the mighty mjd
I had no idea there was such passion for women’s tennis among the readers here. Hm.
April 20, 2006 at 12:39 am
DookieStyle
I’ll watch womens tennis before I’ll watch…
1) Arena Football
2) Horse Racing
3) Any NBA game outside of the conference finals or finals
4) Any other woman’s sport, but particularly basketball
5) Motorcross
April 20, 2006 at 9:50 am