2016 women's tennis thread

The Australian Open final has set the bar for what could be an interesting season....

Can Johanna Konta build on her thrilling run to the semis?

Can Kerber add to her first Grand Slam title, and take the torch from Serena when she eventually steps down?

And will Serena ever win that 22nd Slam to tie it up with Graf?

Serena is getting on a bit but you still have to back her to do it, but nothing is a given. Perhaps she will win at the US Open this year to tie (or beat) the record.

Konta... it was probably going to be her peak performance, I would be surprised if she starts getting to QFs and SFs regularly.

Congrats to Heather Watson for winning the tournament at Monterrey....

Thanks for keeping us updated with the news.

Watson's win was accompanied by Konta reaching the q-final in that Monterrey event and Naomi Broady getting to the semi of her event in Kuala Lumpur. Watson went up 30 places or so to 53 while Broady rose 20 places to 76.

Henman Bill wrote:Thanks for keeping us updated with the news.

My pleasure....

Azarenka beats Serena at four and four in the final of Indian Wells....

Azarenka potentially second wind?

Hope so.

She's still going strong...beat Kuznetsova at three and two in the final in Miami.

This Weeks Rankings Top 500
21  Konta, Johanna  born 1991
55  Watson, Heather born 1992  
78  Broady, Naomi born 1990  
312  Moore, Tara born 1992  
322  Dunne, Katy  born 1995  
348  Carreras, Amanda  born 1990  
379  Christie, Freya born 1997  
448  Webley-Smith, Emily born 1984  
463  Swan, Katie born 1999  
468  Robson, Laura  born 1994

Broady had good three-set win over Knapp today. At 26 years of age, she's having her best-ever season.

Sloane Stephens won the Charleston title, beating Kerber in the semis, and Vesnina in the final....

Serena beats Madison Keys in the final at Rome 7-6,6-2, warming up at just the right time for the French....

That on-court interview in Italian was a nice touch, too!

Of course with all the GOAT talk we conveniently forget to discuss whether its actually Serena who fits that bill (vs Federer), at least in the Open Era setting. She's nearing 300 weeks at #1, and its not inconceivable she could overhaul Steffi's 377 (which was aided by Seles absence anyway), and Martina's 332 is definitely vulnerable. Serena as an all round player eclipses Steffi in doubles for sure. The only question mark is whether she can get that all elusive 22nd after choking the last 2 attempts...!

A nod to Hingis too for winning the doubles...still going strong (she's a joy to watch at doubles, insanely talented with touch) and I'm sure she could still do damage on the singles tour if she wanted.

This time last year at the Aegon Open Nottingham Johanna Konta was ranked 147 in the world and unseeded. She got to the quarter final.

Today at this years Aegon Open Nottingham Johanna Konta is ranked 18 in the world and seeded two. She has come through the first round defeating American Victoria Duval 6-3 6-0.

Nore Staat wrote:This Weeks Rankings Top 500: April 04 2016
21  Konta, Johanna  born 1991
55  Watson, Heather born 1992  
78  Broady, Naomi born 1990
312  Moore, Tara born 1992  
322  Dunne, Katy  born 1995  
348  Carreras, Amanda  born 1990  
379  Christie, Freya born 1997  
448  Webley-Smith, Emily born 1984  
463  Swan, Katie born 1999  
468  Robson, Laura  born 1994

This Weeks Rankings Top 500: June 06 2016  [change in position since above]
18  Konta, Johanna  born 1991 [+3]
56  Watson, Heather born 1992  [-1]
81  Broady, Naomi  born 1990 [-3]
280  Moore, Tara  born 1992  [+32]
281  Dunne, Katy  born 1995  [+41]
288  Carreras, Amanda born 1990  [+60]
308  Robson, Laura  born 1994 [+160]
314  Christie, Freya  born 1997  [+65]
421  Dart, Harriet  born 1996  [new into top 500]
433  Swan, Katie  born 1999  [+30]
445  Taylor, Gabriella  born 1998  [new into top 500]
493  Webley-Smith, Emily  born 1984 [-45]

Venus wins a tight first set against Shvedova in the quarter-finals....

And Kerber goes 7-5 up against Halep on Centre Court.

Kerber takes the second set on a tiebreak to advance to the semis....

Venus wins the second set at two. Venus advances to the semis at the grand old age of 36!

Serena takes the first set against Pavlyuchenkova at four....

I see Venus had some tough battles in the early rounds before winning by an easier margin in R4 and QF. You would expect her to lose to Kerber though, I suppose....?

Henman Bill wrote:I see Venus had some tough battles in the early rounds before winning by an easier margin in R4 and QF. You would expect her to lose to Kerber though, I suppose....?

Yes, I think Kerber has to be the favourite for that semi....

Serena rounds off a 6-4,6-4 win...into the semis.

Alas for Cibulkova, she played quite horribly today after a brilliant performance yesterday. I'm expecting Kerber to beat Venus and that should ensure a repeat of this year's Aussie final.

Wimbledon Semi-final time....

Serena wins the first set against Vesnina at two....

She wins the second set at love to book her place in the final.

Yes Serena through. Who would have thought it .....?

What I would have given for a ticket to see her match today !! A whole 48 minutes of edge-of-the-seat, nail-biting entertainment, full of thrills & spills with no way of predicting the final outcome.

Oops....my mistake ......getting mixed up with yesterday's men's QF's

Well, for the last four men's Grand Slams, you could easily predict the winner...Djokovic. This Wimbledon is an aberration.

At least with women's tennis, we have had a different winner for each of the last four Slams. You don't have that variety of winners in men's tennis....

This is why I don't frequent this site much. This messageboard is full of British and Indian male tennis fans, who enjoy putting down women. Misogyny is alive and well in these two countries....

I spend more time on a Caribbean messageboard, where they have more respect for the sporting achievements of women.

Kerber takes the first set 6-4....

lags72 wrote:Yes Serena through. Who would have thought it .....?

What I would have given for a ticket to see her match today !! A whole 48 minutes of edge-of-the-seat, nail-biting entertainment, full of thrills & spills with no way of predicting the final outcome.

Oops....my mistake ......getting mixed up with yesterday's men's QF's  

Stop being an ass and just stick to the men's thread if you have nothing constructive to say

shivfan wrote:Well, for the last four men's Grand Slams, you could easily predict the winner...Djokovic. This Wimbledon is an aberration.

At least with women's tennis, we have had a different winner for each of the last four Slams. You don't have that variety of winners in men's tennis....

This is why I don't frequent this site much. This messageboard is full of British and Indian male tennis fans, who enjoy putting down women. Misogyny is alive and well in these two countries....

I spend more time on a Caribbean messageboard, where they have more respect for the sporting achievements of women.

Kerber takes the first set 6-4....

Absolute garbage. I'm so fed up of people being critical of people being critical of tennis (especially when it's related to women's tennis) and then piping up and crying misogyny. You are the one bringing gender into the equation. Not the original post by lags.

The point was to do with value for money. While that in itself is intrinsic, I can't imagine there is anyone on the planet who, all things being equal (including gender) would take a 48 minute semi-final over either match that was played on centre-court yesterday. Both of which went north of 3 hours. You then bring in gender for no good reason crying misogyny, of which there is absolutely none in that post. By your definition then, you have shown yourself to be partial to some misandry in your post - but I suppose that is perfectly acceptable.

Well with all respect shivfan, I feel you might be adding 2 + 2 and making 5. You're drawing some deep (and I must add, wholly misguided) conclusions, whereas I'm just talking about tennis.

I can't speak for others ; but I can speak for myself in saying that my rather vague interest in, and general lack of enthusiasm for, women's tennis does not equate to a lack of recognition of their sporting achievements, or some form of misogyny.

There is a high quality of play to be seen, sure.  But it so happens that I don't find it nearly as entertaining as the men's game. Never have done - and I doubt I ever will. Simple as that really.

AlciG wrote:

lags72 wrote:Yes Serena through. Who would have thought it .....?

What I would have given for a ticket to see her match today !! A whole 48 minutes of edge-of-the-seat, nail-biting entertainment, full of thrills & spills with no way of predicting the final outcome.

Oops....my mistake ......getting mixed up with yesterday's men's QF's  

Stop being an ass and just stick to the men's thread if you have nothing constructive to say

This forum is here for the discussion of the sport of tennis, and such discussion may include opinion and comment about the sport with which you happen to disagree and/or find uninteresting.

But above all, it is about tennis, and for that reason it would be much appreciated if you could please refrain from personal abuse directed at other posters, as per 606 forum guidelines.

I am (begrudgingly as I'm sure he knows) with lags here

You have a sordid history of spouting and crying sexism every time somebody doesn't agree with you. You only come here in fact to cause trouble and to feel superior. The end result being the exact opposite

If you've found a better place. Then go there. And stay there.
Anymore of this and it's Adam you'll be talking to (that's the boss btw, he's a man... Sorry about that)

AlciG wrote:

lags72 wrote:Yes Serena through. Who would have thought it .....?

What I would have given for a ticket to see her match today !! A whole 48 minutes of edge-of-the-seat, nail-biting entertainment, full of thrills & spills with no way of predicting the final outcome.

Oops....my mistake ......getting mixed up with yesterday's men's QF's  

Stop being an ass and just stick to the men's thread if you have nothing constructive to say

What a bliddy cheek.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>there is the door close it behind you !!!

All I will say is that it is better to come out straight with what one thinks rather than to beat around the bush.  

In terms of sport there is nothing wrong with the women's semi-finals.  

In terms of a marketable entertainment business there is a major problem.  

This is not helped by the WTA and tournament directors doing nothing to curb the grunting in the women's game.  I happened to watch a few points of the Williams sisters playing doubles - both Venus and Serena were doing that explosive short and loud grunting at their opponents.  It was unsporting and totally objectionable and an assault of my ears.  With that type of attitude women's tennis deserves all the censure it gets and maybe more.  I don't blame the players for this - I blame the WTA and tournament directors.  The players will seek out any advantage if they can get away with it.  I used to like women's tennis but not anymore - it is unwatchable (because of the "grunting").  If I can find a match without the loud or weird grunting then I can sit down and watch.  Fortunately the British women don't seem to "grunt" and not all women players "grunt".

Apart from that there is the risk of a women's match being totally one sided - such is the variation of quality and performance levels in the women's game.

Ps I can understand both shivfan and AlCig's point of view. Fair criticism of the women's game does overflow often into misogynist abuse of the players and at times abuse of people and fans that follow the women's game and are able to enjoy it.

Is there no room for levity now on this forum..??? God knows it can get spiteful enough with out making those sort of comments not necessary imo

Haddie-nuff wrote:Is there no room for levity now on this forum..??? God knows it can get spiteful enough with out making those sort of comments not necessary imo

Yes.  I do employ "levity" from time to time.  Anyway the founders Adam / Hero have decreed a light touch to the forum - only poster abuse will not be tolerated plus the usual player libel.  All I am saying is I can understand Shivfans and AlCig's responses.

Sorry I don't I thought lags jaundiced comments rather amusing.. why does everyone take themselves so seriously.

Haddie-nuff wrote:Sorry I don't I thought lags jaundiced comments rather amusing.. why does everyone take themselves so seriously.

Taking oneself seriously or emotion?  All I am saying is given the context and history I can understand ... etc.  Lags can handle being called a stubborn pack animal maybe?  It will pass but women's tennis with and without its faults remain.

Nore Staat wrote:

Haddie-nuff wrote:Is there no room for levity now on this forum..??? God knows it can get spiteful enough with out making those sort of comments not necessary imo

Yes.  I do employ "levity" from time to time.  Anyway the founders Adam / Hero have decreed a light touch to the forum - only poster abuse will not be tolerated plus the usual player libel.  All I am saying is I can understand Shivfans and AlCig's responses.

So should I assume from this that you find AlciG's post to be acceptable ? It actually contained nothing about tennis but was simply an abusive intervention directed at me personally. I am genuinely surprised, Nore Staat , to hear you say that you can "understand" it .......  

With regards to Shivfan's post, there were a number of what I would consider to be wild & unfounded allegations - but at least it did talk about tennis.

If you are that upset Lags you need to put it to the test by reporting the post.  I have stated my opinion and that is the end of the matter for me.  Good luck.

Not upset at all Nore Staat. No intention to report it either.

Just thought it rather odd that your reaction to a post consisting solely of personal abuse (but nothing whatever about tennis ) was to say that you "understand the point of view".

Just watched the highlights of the women's semi-finals.

Venus vs Kerber:  Both are loud grunters but Venus has a screechy higher pitched grunt that makes it more unbearable.   Power game.  Seemed to be a good quality.

Serena vs Vesnina: This time Serena was more or less silent.  She seems to be able to turn her grunting on and off depending on her mood. Vesnina has a weird "grunt" every time she hits the ball she would shout loudly "Oh Yea".  Almost like a reflexive action and occurring after she hits the ball.  Power game but Serena was simply awesome.

Nore Staat wrote:

Haddie-nuff wrote:Sorry I don't I thought lags jaundiced comments rather amusing.. why does everyone take themselves so seriously.

Taking oneself seriously or emotion?  All I am saying is given the context and history I can understand ... etc.  Lags can handle being called a stubborn pack animal maybe?  It will pass but women's tennis with and without its faults remain.

For Chri$t sake grow up.. it was harmless enough and you are making an issue of it... dear lord. have you nothing better to complain about with all what is happening in the world this is a pee in the ocean

Lags comment is fine. In isolation. But when combined with another hundred comments on this site, made by myself and others, where women are mostly commented on for their grunting and looks or being the girlfriend of a male player but not so much on their tennis skills or achievements, then it is probably a little bit of a misogynistic, sexist site and I think we could as a group try to do a bit better.

I've come to realize a few things. One is that it is possible for a group of people to be sexist without anyone individually in the group being sexist. Another it is possible that for a collection of comments to be sexist even if none of the individual comments were sexist. Another is that being sexist isn't a black and white thing and that it's possibly to be a small amount sexist but not in a really bad way. Probably, many people are a tiny bit sexist. I include myself.

Unfortunately there is a fine line between political correctness gone mad and sexism or some other ism. I'm not even convinced that the two are mutually exclusive and this type of discussion is drifting somewhere around the boundary area.

Shivfan is not having a go at lags' comment but the the overall misogyny on the site. It seems pretty unfair to state that Shivfan has a "sordid history of spouting and crying sexism" as I don't recall that at all. Can you link me to such threads please? Unless you're referring to offline complaints to the management, in which case why are you referring to private messages?

"If you've found a better place. Then go there. And stay there." I don't agree with this attitude because I think the comments were fair and we don't want to create an environment where women feel that they have to avoid this forum or put up with (a little) mysogny.

Johnyjeep wrote:

I can't imagine there is anyone on the planet who, all things being equal (including gender) would take a 48 minute semi-final over either match that was played on centre-court yesterday. Both of which went north of 3 hours.

If the men had played best of three sets both matches would have been over almost as quickly. Two sets to love to Cilic and Murray. No classics at all. It's not a fair comparison.

I think we need a best of five sets final and maybe semis for the women at some stage. There is no hurry with the game being relatively less popular at the moment, but I think we'll see it in our lifetimes. One of the slams will want to offer something that the others don't have.

Actually with Jahu gone the site probably is only a tiny bit sexist. He was probably responsible for more than most.

As a woman you might think I would be the first to comment but are we not living in a world where, if there are equal rights, and opportunities?then take it on the chin girls coz this means equal criticism. Womens tennis, by and large is boring, as is some of the mens' matches
What the hell is there to get upset over.. that is not sexist its called life!!!

You arent here as much HB. We have this every time shivs on, every single time. Youre welcome to ask around.
Shiv went straight to accusations of mysogeny where there was none to be found. She simply didnt like the fact that lags doesnt think much of womens tennis and went straight for the gender card.
Thats personal... which is STILL not allowed. The new rules are still rules, this aint the wild west all of a sudden.

Shiv constantly mentions this better site every time, well then clearly shes only coming here to cause trouble.

Nothing to do with sexism, we dont need that

Where... exactly are these stonewall misogynistic comments. if so. go ahead and report it. Theres been none, just a criticism of the match, not the gender.

Screaming misogynistic pig isnt good enough... dont care if the posters a woman or a man... sorry

Haddie-nuff wrote:

Nore Staat wrote:

Haddie-nuff wrote:Sorry I don't I thought lags jaundiced comments rather amusing.. why does everyone take themselves so seriously.

Taking oneself seriously or emotion?  All I am saying is given the context and history I can understand ... etc.  Lags can handle being called a stubborn pack animal maybe?  It will pass but women's tennis with and without its faults remain.

For Chri$t sake grow up.. it was harmless enough and you are making an issue of it... dear lord. have you nothing better to complain about with all  what is happening in the world this is a pee in the ocean

I was offering an opinion and my exchange with lags completed the airing of said opinions. I then posted a comment on the women's semi-final to get the thread back on topic. But you, not having any comment to offer regarding the women's semi-final, have decided to re-open said opinions with your Chri$t sake rant. One could debate who needs to "grow up" but I won't.

Oh  really and that your explanation is it.??. I watched a part of the semi final and came to the same conclusion as lags.. his comments were jaundiced but he was right nonetheless ... and I repeat grow up what he said has not warranted this stupid debate frankly.
I repeat women earn the same money as men (that is a subject that has  and will doubtless be debated on this forum and one I personally don't agree with) frankly, as a woman, I get peed of with hearing the plight of women tennis players. but then I don't like, or watch much of it.
They want equal money, equal rights and yet still be treated differently because they are women...sorry they deserve and we are entitled to comment and criticise as this forum allows us to do re the mens tennis I do not and will not concede that we cannot make equal derogatory comments (as the moderators have allowed) when it comes to the womens game. I rest my case

shivfan wrote:
This is why I don't frequent this site much. This messageboard is full of British and Indian male tennis fans, who enjoy putting down women. Misogyny is alive and well in these two countries....

I spend more time on a Caribbean messageboard, where they have more respect for the sporting achievements of women.

Very racist.

To be fair, the women's tournament has had some good matches, with Cibulkova v Radwanska probably being the pick of them. It was unfortunate that the semi finals ended up with one in form player against one who was probably a bit lucky to get there. Hopefully the final could be good, after Kerber's victory in Australia at the start of the year.

What today did show was that the women's tour has issues with consistency of the players. Vesnina has played pretty well to reach the SF but just had no answer to Serena's power. And because there is no plan B, when Vesnina is overpowered from the back, there is no attempt to slice, to volley or to try and bring Serena in and pass - the skills aren't there. Compare with Federer or Murray and how they lived with and ultimately beat guys who perhaps have a greater weight of shot. Of course there are some women players (Radwanska for one, Hingis if you go back a few years) who can use angles, spin and coming in to negate an opponent's power, but too many in the game at the moment are just baseline ball bashers.

Today's women's final. Kerber shocked Serena in Melbourne this year and could do so again. The German will run down a lot of balls and is a counter puncher who could well thrive on Serena's pace.
If Kerber could overcome first-Slam-final nerves last January then she should not be phased playing her first Wimbledon title match. At least it should last longer than Serena's semi on Thursday.