LADIES FINAL PREVIEW

The Spin 

Steve Simon spoke.  Finally.  

In case you missed it, the Chief Executive Officer of the WTA Tour had some choice words for the organisers of the French Open.  He told them in no uncertain terms how disrespectful they have been to women's tennis and that they needed to rethink their stance as it relates to court assignments. 

I really did think that after such strong words the organisers of the French Open would have been quaking in their boots and that even one of the women's semifinals would have been moved to Chatrier, but that was not the case. 

I woke up to see Konta losing to Vondrousova and Anisamova serving to stay in the match against Barty.  The Anisimova match was not on tv in my area, but the Konta match was.  As soon as that match was over, and Bartoli came out on court to interview Vondrousova, the tv cameras immediately flipped to Federer walking out on court over on Chartrier.  

That is how tv treats women's tennis.  That is how women's tennis has always been treated. 

One can only hope that the resumption of the incomplete men's semi-final will be relegated to Court 1. 

A few years ago, I finally cut off Tennis Channel because of their penchant of placing most, if not all, women's matches on their premium channels, while showcasing men's tennis on the cheaper channel.  Unless you are a a diehard fan of women's tennis, and could afford a subscription (or lived in an area where you could actually subscribe to TC Plus) you had to be hunting illegal streams in order to see women's tennis.  That happened for almost 2-3 years.  When Tennis Channel lost the rights to broadcast women's matches in the US, there were howls of protests all over, but those of us who have had to suffer for years, felt little or no sympathy for Tennis Channel. 

The WTA TV website has its issues (hello Order of Play and no app), but it brings fans of the women's game much closer to the women and at least you get to see great matches all the time. 

This is why Vondrousova making it to the final of the French Open has not come as a shock to me.  A fighter, it is never over until the last ball is struck.  Usually, in her favour.  I like Vondrousova.  I like her demeanour on court.  I like the variety that she has in her game.  I like that she smiles when she has hit a terrific drop shot or a beautiful winner.  I like that she is shy.  I like that she struggles to articulate her thoughts in English, but mostly I absolutely love her game.  There are not many Czech players that I like, but Marketa (must be that black name) just gives me a different vibe.  Her game is not run of the mill.  It has variety and nuance.  My only issue with her is sometimes her fitness level is not what it needs to be.  I would be absolutely thrilled if she takes the title on Saturday, but ...

It can be hard when you have been classed as a prodigy and then struggle to get wins.  Ashleigh Barty is a lesson for all young up and coming players.  You would never believe from looking at her that she is only 21 years old.  Very mature for her years and with a game that is made for tennis.  

Many may not know that for a short time, Barty was coached by Justine Henin (or at least Henin mentored her).  After suffering a series of setbacks, Barty left the sport of tennis and went to play cricket.  For those of you who may not know it, cricket is to Australia as tennis is to England.  It is in their blood.  A long time ago they were very good at it (as were the West Indies team, but we won't go there).  Suffice it to say Barty is such an incredible athlete that switching sport was never an issue for her. 

She returned to the Tour about 3 years ago, and after winning her biggest title to date (the Miami Open), playing some of the best tennis that I have seen in quite some time, Barty has made her way to the final of a Grand Slam.  I am sure that there has been much celebration in Australia.  

Both women have done incredibly well to get this far.  They are a testament to hard work and perseverance, and of the sacrifices that were made (and still being made).  

The Spin Team wishes them all the best (but will be quietly cheering Vondrousova to victory)