So this is the time of year when both tours start winding down, the final scramble for some players to make the final eight for the respective tours' championships, and the rest of the players start making plans for some months off and the exhibition season. Some players will even consent to an interview from me, hoping to make the annual Christmas column.
I noticed today that Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova both pulled out of the China Open, upcoming for the WTA this week. While this is nothing out of the ordinary for Serena, who has been injured for the better part of the season, it is an important note for Sharapova. Sharapova has already qualified for the season-ending championships in Istanbul, Turkey, but has performed below expectation since the U.S. Open. While her off-court schedule I am sure is keeping her busy, the need to be fresh and have some momentum going into Turkey is essential.
With Sharapova currently ranked second in the world, and the top eight all having almost no real big tournament success under their belts, it would seem that Maria would be focused on getting ready to make and possibly take Istanbul by storm. Not only would it be a large payday, but it would also re-establish her as a premier player and put her on the short list for Australia in January.
It's hard to think that Sharapova is only 24-years-old. She has been on the tour since 2001, and has a Wimbledon title to her name. This year, it looked like she would add number two, yet she was off her game and fell to Petra Kvitova on what might have been her best chance to add a major to her career stats. Sharapova has battled a shoulder injury and now an ankle injury. While still potent on any given day, she does seem to no longer have the physical stamina to play a full season at peak. And again, at the ripe "old" age of 24.
Sharapova has stated that she will try to be ready for Istanbul on the 25th. I hope she is. Especially given that she is the only "name" player currently in the draw. I'd hate to see the WTA Championships played with virtually no real reporting or coverage.
On the men's side, Andy Roddick today showed one more time why I have always considered him overrated. Yes, he has been to major championships. Yes, he has won a U.S. Open, and been to four other major finals, but more and more, he continues to lose matches to much lesser players. His loss this week to South African Kevin Anderson just underscores how much Roddick has fallen.
Once known to overpower his opponents, his big first serve and huge forehand have always been his trademark. They are also the only two shots he basically has in his arsenal. Roddick lacks a complete game, and players can now anticipate his two shots to the point that they no longer fear them. Mardy Fish, long-time friend and Davis Cup teammate of Roddick, has overtaken Andy as the No. 1 U.S. men's player this year.
With his loss at the China Open, it looks like Andy's 2011 season is over. One can only speculate what his offseason will be like. At 29, he still has a couple of years of good tennis left in him. The question is, will he want to continue, and will he come out of the offseason with a drive and hunger for winning that he had just a few years ago?
Only time will tell. The offseason is just about here. Here's to hoping the fall will mean better things for us all in tennis next year.
