ARRIVAL OF THE OLD AND NEW
WHILST we cannot guarantee Next Gen players breaking through in 2020 to unseat the Big 3 still entrenched as Major titleholders, we can guarantee the arrival of new technology.
Electronic reviewing for clay courts will debut at the Madrid Open – after Hawkeye was first introduced to hard courts in Miami in 2006. Tournament Director, Feliciano Lopez, says it’s the hallmark of Madrid – “to lead the way”.
So whilst it’s out with the old and in with the new on sidelines, not so on court, where 4 x Grand Slam champion and mother of three, Kim Clijsters, made her second major comeback, after 8 years. Re-entering the fray in Dubai, she was beaten by more recent Grand Slam winner, Garbine Muguruza, in straight sets in round one, serving 10 double faults – apparently not a bad sign – “merely a bit of rust around the edges”.
I beg to differ. I wish, champions of the calibre of Clijsters would bow out gracefully and resist the temptation to return, for the sake of their offspring seeing them in action. I felt the same about Andy Murray and where is he on the comeback road? Post more hip ‘resurfacing’ in January 2019, he stuttered through to a few rounds of Wimbledon Mixed Doubles – then more recently pulled out of the ATP Cup, The Australian Open, Rotterdam and Montpellier – for another surfacing injury – some pelvic problem.
Boris Becker followed up with a statement: “I believe Murray can be fighting Grand Slams again IF” – and it’s a very big IF Boris – “he can recover from injury.” That has to be the biggest understatement of the year…
If a fit young buck, Nick Kyrgios, ranked 21 in the world, who has just taken Nadal to the brink in 4 sets, after edging out Karen Khachanov in 5, in the Australian Open, is withdrawing at the onset of Delray Beach as top seed, through a ‘niggling wrist injury’, what does that tell you about how physically demanding this game has become?
Moreover Clijsters should be taking further note, that of the 14 Grand Slam champions entering the Miami Open, the current No 1, Ashleigh Barty, is aged 23; last year’s Australian Open winner, Naomi Osaka, is 22, US Open Champion Bianca Andreescu is 19 and reigning Australian champion, Sophia Kenin is 21 – a clutch of terrifyingly talented spring chickens.
Also thrown into the mix will be 16 year old phenomenon Coco Gauff and 18 year old, French Open Semi finalist, Amanda Anisimova. No matter how evergreen one considers oneself, as a ‘brooding’ mother hen – age eventually does matter.
I lamented the fact last week, that the Triumvirate, Federer, Nadal And Djokovic needed to slow down on the exhibitions, to preserve themselves for the competitive arena and after several exhibition matches on the trot, they – specifically Federer - were wearing themselves thin.
This week the Swiss maestro announced he has a “niggling knee” and will require an operation, thereby missing Dubai, Indian Wells, Miami and The French Open. Basically he is out to grass until the grass season commences – need I say more?
Tennis is a tough old game, when played alone, which is why a Next Gen. star, like Kyrgios – singles aside – was still keen to attempt the doubles, “more fun”, with partner, Justin Thompson, at Delray Beach,
According to the Nba-mad Australian, “Doubles is key to improving ones serve, volley and sense of humour,” all of which have to be in mint condition, if you are – as Thompson and Kyrgios would have been – facing in round one the duo given the key to the city after five doubles triumphs at this venue – the indomitable and dare I say – almost retired – Bryan brothers. In a nutshell Kygrios and Thompson withdrew, at the risk of having to retire to the semi retired.