Weeks 3-4 - Australian Open, Women's Main Draw - Melbourne, Australia - Outdoor, Hard

Barefoot · Lower Club Player

Weeks 3-4 - Australian Open, Women's Main Draw - Melbourne, Australia - Outdoor, Hard

christ · Futures level

I find it odd that being a star at sports isn't enough: somehow there seems to be a belief that a person has to earn our attention by being a better human being in some way: prettier, nicer, more convivial, more willing to explain themselves to the press, even ruder or more boorish seems to be acceptable. Personally I find Ash Barty to be a better sportsperson than Nick Kyrgios: He may be a better showman (but he may also just be a spoilt brat, who knows) - she is very good at what she does, and what she does is sport. For me nothing more is required. This desire for people to be better in some way off of the field of play puts altogether too much stress on the poor souls, and is wholly unnecessary. If sports want clowns, then hire clowns for the interval.

Bagel · Lower Club Player

Barefoot wrote:
Its fair to say that Ash isnt a star, she knows that herself and has no intention of being. We cant blame her for that, being marketable isnt currently in the job description or KPIs for success ;)
Shes also clearly a lovely person and a really skilful player to watch. But professional sport is entertainment and the money it generates is based on people wanting to watch it for fun, and she doesnt do the pizzazz. A strong top group of players, including Ash, providing a little bit of something for everyone, including players who focus on a bit of show would be the ideal. I dont think we have that at the moment with the rest of the top 10 also being pretty new to the very top level. Thats why Ash being quieter is more noticeable, I think. If the rest of the top 10 was Nick Kyrgios in female form I dont think itd be as much of a discussion point!

I've given some thought to what a Top 10 consisting of Nick Kyrgios in female form might look like. I've come up with Swiatek, Ostapenko, Cornet, Putintseva, S. Williams, Mladenovic, Yastremska, Van de Weghe, Rodionova and Gorgodze. Burrage as the leading Brit. Any omissions that you can think of? It might take a while for that particular Top 10 to get together but, in any case, be careful what you wish for!

-- Edited by Bagel on Friday 28th of January 2022 09:54:26 PM

Barefoot · Lower Club Player

I can see all of that lot. Plus Errani! Andreescu always has potential as well

I should say that this top 10 sounds exhausting, and I very much enjoy Kyrgios. Everything in moderation!

wales1994 · County player

Barty might not be a instant 'star', but her record is astounding. She's a class act, brings consistency and variety to the women's tour - which has been lacking for quite some time. For me personally, she's exactly what the WTA needs. A hard worker, who shows up regularly.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Well done, Ash !!!!!!!

Lovely for Australia too.

(Hope Tiley doesn't claim any credit)

PS Loved the list, Bagel

indiana · Tennis legend

Well done to Ash. Setting the standard and generally showing that consistency that is so lacking in others. Let's see who can challenge her over the next year or two.

Didn't drop a set along the way either. I wonder when that last happened in a Slam

Mervatron2 · Challenger qualifying

So happy for Ash. Bit of stability in the womens game.

HarryGem · Club Coach

Great win for Ash. She wasn't at her best but was good enough.

There was an interesting interview with her coach later in which he said that unless they change the balls at the US Open Ash won't ever win it and I though he was a bit dismissive of Emma's achievement seemed to suggest she only won because of the balls.

Not really sure why a number one in the world can't adapt their game to a different sort of tennis ball.

Spireman · Club Coach

We should spare a thought for her opponent...5-1 up second set, so can't be pleasant for her to lose that set and thus match. And certainly the crowd helped to make it difficult for her to serve it out. Having said that she has had a good tournament and only lost to world no 1 playing home gs. Also at least Collins wasn't 5-1 up 3rd set or with a 1 set lead....

GAMEOVER · Satellite level

Ash was the 1st player to win the Australian Open singles without dropping a set since Serena at the 2017 tournament.With Emma winning the 2021 US Open without dropping a set it was the first time since 2008 when 2 successive Grand Slams singles tournaments were won without dropping a set. On that occasion Venus won Wimbledon and Serena won the US Open. Iga Swiatek won the 2020 French Open without dropping a set. Marion Bartoli in 2013 was the last player to win Wimbledon without dropping a set.