Three of the biggest names in women’s tennis sparked a heated debate over the weekend when they withdrew from the warm-up events to rest at the Australian Open.
Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka everyone pulled the pin at the warm-up events they were playing at Melbourne Park, citing several injuries.
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Williams was scheduled to play Ash Barty in the Yarra Valley Classic semifinals on Saturday, but announced his withdrawal on Friday night because of a shoulder problem.
“I’ve already received a lot of shoulder treatment, but I’m very confident that it will be great,” said Williams.
“It’s definitely something I’m going to have to deal with, and knowing that going to the tournament definitely helped.”
World No.3 Osaka left the Gippsland trophy semifinal against Elise Mertens, also because of shoulder pain, while former Australian Open champion Azarenka abandoned the Grampians Trophy because of a problem in her lower back.
“It kind of blew up again because I played, like, a lot of consecutive matches,” said Osaka.
“For me, my main focus is to hope that I can get enough rest before the Open.”
Although injuries are an integral part of professional sport, many tennis fans were furious at the withdrawals.
As tennis commentator Chris Goldsmith pointed out on Twitter, past champions such as Martina Navratilova and Steffi Graf have hardly retired, injured or withdrawn from tournaments halfway – a stark contrast to today’s stars.
“They often say that success breeds success. In the case of tennis players, their pensions generate pensions, ”wrote Goldsmith.
“If Serena doesn’t want to play, then Vika doesn’t want to, Osaka doesn’t, so lesser-known players find it easy to follow the best players.
“Tennis integrity failure again.”
Career Retirement / Walkovers
Navratilova
2 RET
3 W / OGraf
4 RET
2 W / OSeles
4 RET
3 W / OAzarenka
28 RET
10 W / OSerena Williams
15 RET
20 W / OOsaka (already)
7 RET
4 W / ONavratilova, Seles, Graf, all had to play and win tournaments to stay at the top of the standings
– Chris Goldsmith (@TheTennisTalker) February 6, 2021
They often say that success breeds success
In the case of tennis players, pensions generate pensions.
If Serena doesn’t want to play, then Vika doesn’t, Osaka doesn’t, so lesser-known players find it easy to follow the best players
Tennis integrity failure again
– Chris Goldsmith (@TheTennisTalker) February 6, 2021
While many have pointed out that the Australian Open is the top priority and not the warm-up events, many others said that fans, organizers and sponsors have a right to be disappointed by the withdrawals.
The organizers organized six tournaments last week to give all players who flew to Australia and had to be quarantined for 14 days, some high level games to prepare.
Osaka now leaves following Vika, Serena and Stan. Understandable, but many still think that players make sacrifices for the tour … they don’t. Most of them play for themselves. These withdrawals are huge scams for TV, fans and organizers who have worked tirelessly to achieve this.
– Pavvy G (@pavyg) February 6, 2021
Who hasn’t retired? This is ridiculous. Serena Williams, Osaka and now Azarenka. None of them are hurt. This is obvious. This should not be allowed. It is disrespectful to everyone else who wanted to compete. 🙄🤦♂️😤
– wtaaddict (@wtaaddict) February 5, 2021
Pathetic. This is not a warm-up or exposure. It’s a WTA 500. Points and money at stake. Disrespectful to all the other participants in the draw who wanted to dispute the title. If they don’t want to play the full event before a big tournament, don’t sign up.
– wtaaddict (@wtaaddict) February 6, 2021
I like it very bad. Annoying to the players that they won too.
– KYLE CROUCH (@crouch_kyle) February 6, 2021
Unfortunately, this became a bit of a joke. These players don’t care that the Victorians paid to see them play. It is not too late to send them home.
– RottenRonnie (@RonnieRotten) February 6, 2021
Big guns make headline action from day one
Osaka, Williams and Simona Halep will all be out to make a good impression when they hit the court on Monday for the opening day of the Australian Open.
No 1 in the world, Ash Barty will cool his heels on the opening day after defining his stall with a series Final victory of the Yarra Valley Classic over Garbine Muguruza on Sunday.
But tournament favorite Osaka, a Williams in search of a record and world number 2 Halep, will try to topple the top scorers.
Williams has persistent pressure to secure a record 24 grand slam victory, but the 39-year-old woman emphasized that it is a burden she is happy to live with.
“It’s definitely on my shoulders and in my mind and it’s good to be in my mind,” said Williams.
“It is a different burden, I must say, on my shoulders, because I am used to it now and it is more relaxing.”
with AAP
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