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Sad, very very sad news came out of Martina Hingis' representation today as it was announced Martina had withdrew from events in San Diego, Los Angelens and Montreal. Additionally, she also said she would not commit to play at the US Open by the July 15 madatory date which leaves little hope of seeing Martina in Flushing Meadows. Sad ? Most definatly.. Hingis is not the most popular player on the tour, that is clear, but in times like these, the WTA tour needs her more than ever. With the Williams sisters taking over the tour, many people feel it is a dangerous turn of events for the tour as the two top players are very understandingly not willing to engage in a rivalry, instead avoiding all possible matchups by entering different events. The list of players able to compete with the Williams sisters is very short and Martina Hingis is one of the few who can compete with them.. In 2001 and 2002, Martina has combined a 3-5 record against the Williams sisters.. not exactly a record you would dream of but it certainly is a threat to the Williams sisters, one that very few players can pose. At the moment, the injured Lindsay Davenport's shape is questionnable and it is not even clear if she will be able to compete with the two sisters in New York. Who else ? Well, Jennifer Capriati clearly is one of the top players but despite that has a 3-8 record in 2001 and 2002 and lost all 4 meetings against Venus and the last five ones against Serena.. Can she still beat them ? Yes, of course but it is something even she might not be willing to bet on... There are also long shots, Hantuchova, Dokic, Seles, all players who in their best times can give good matches and even run away with a win.. but it requires near-perfection and somewhat of a sloppy performance.. So is the WTA doomed to see the Williams sisters face one another time after time for the next decade ? Luckily, in the wonderful world of sports things can change very quickly.. it could be simply a confidence drop after a loss, such as the one Venus suffered in Wimbledon.. or simply one player who could step up one level to her game and reach this level the Williams sisters have been competing on this year... |
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By Pierre
Cantin