Happy New Year Everyone.
The tennis season has started in much the same way that it ended. Discussions surrounding Roger Federer and Serena Williams. Not necessarily in that order but usually juxtaposed when discussions arise as to their impact on the game, whether it be negatively or positively. I won't really join that discussion, except to say that I absolutely loved the mixed doubles match between them at this year's Hopman Cup and clearly tennis fans worldwide loved it as well.
Each year as the tennis year starts fresh, I am always amazed at the interest of tennis fans on the other side of the equator. The love that these fans show to tennis always makes me wonder what drives that love. I have been watching matches in Auckland and Brisbane and the turnout is usually very good. The interest that they show after a spectacular point is usually appreciated and they come out decked out in their colours to support their players.
I look at the faces of the fans and their is rapt attention being paid to what is happening on court and they are really invested in the outcome of the match. The rapturous applause as Serena Williams made her way to the court for her singles and mixed doubles match was good to see. In the same way that the packed stands for Venus' match in Auckland was also a welcome sight. Venus speaks clearly about the love that is shown to her in Auckland and is the reason why she keeps coming back.
Ever since I have been watching tennis, I can only recall 3 instances when either Williams Sister was met with disdain in Australia. The first concerned Serena's 2010 match against Justine Henin, and her 2003 match against Kim Clijsters. For Venus it was her match where she had to withdraw after playing a few points (I can't remember the name of her opponent).
It struck me that perhaps the reason why both Venus and Serena and indeed why sportspeople are welcomed in this part of the world is because the public itself has a sporting tradition. From rugby, to football, to tennis, persons from the land Down Under take sports very seriously. They believe in recognising those athletes who have honed their skills and perform at the highest level. I believe that is the reason why someone as seemingly abhorrent as Margaret Court continues to enjoy accolades. These accolades were afforded to her as a result of her work on the court and it is perhaps the reason why no one is in any hurry to see Margaret Court arena renamed.
Compare the behaviour of spectators at the Australian Open to those at the US Open. At the US Open there is the constant chatter, the clacking of knives and forks and the general lack of attention that is being paid to professional athletes as they perform. No doubt there are tennis fans who come for the tennis, but they are usually pushed to the side as corporate spectators, who are there to be seen, hog the spotlight.
As the new tennis season gets under way let us first and foremost remember that the men and women who play this sport are professional athletes. They entertain us, and for that we need to give them the respect they deserve.
The Spin team is hoping to write more about tennis and there are even plans to attend a few tournaments (more on that as the year progresses).
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