July 2010 Archives

Is it just I, or has there been a severe lack of newspaper coverage of the ladies' singles at Wimbledon this year?

Is there a coincidence between the scant mention of one of the premier occasions in the British sporting calendar and the fact that for the ninth time in the last 11 years, the name Williams is inscribed on the winning lady's shield? Yes, Serena has done it again; lifting her fourth singles crown at SW11.

Oh you might say, the ladies' singles is getting boring, repeatedly being won by one Williams sister or another. I would somewhat agree with you if this lack of print coverage wasn't joined by a repeated reluctance to recognise just how good Serena and Venus have been.

The commentators and hacks fawn over the likes of Maria Sharapova, who hasn't done much in the game in several years; they lament her bravery in coming back from injury. The revel in taking about Anna Kournikova, who has never done much in the game, full stop.

What about the Williams sisters?

They've rebounded from numerous injuries and the death of their sister to almost seamlessly dominate women's tennis for over a decade. They rank among the most successful players of all-time. So why not give credit where it's due?