You want a shorter tennis season? Nah. This fall has been too eventful—why stop now? Here’s a recap of who was dazzling, decent and dismal in October.
Head of the Class
Kim Clijsters, step forward. The Belgian won the season-ending championships in Doha. Not even a scary car accident before her semifinal match could deter her. Clijsters won her third U.S. Open title in September and will be a favorite heading into the Australian Open. She’s never won a major outside of the U.S.
Graduate with Honors
She didn’t win a Slam, but Elena Dementieva often delighted on the tennis court. She made you want to cover your eyes, too (those double-fault funks could make her opponents feel guilty for looking, never mind fans). At least she won a gold medal. I’ll remember her as the woman who hit the ball harder and flatter than anyone I’ve ever seen, and did it as consistently as a topspin looper (which shouldn’t be possible). She’ll be missed.
Mr. Honorable
Roger Federer, whose name was (briefly) dragged through the mud last month, deserves better. If Ted Forstmann, the head of IMG, did gamble on tennis, and if he did talk to Federer prior to the 2007 French Open final, I can’t see any way that Federer knew that money was on the line. He wouldn’t take part in that. Good for him for immediately clearing the air and defending himself.
Repeat a Grade
Speaking of Forstmann, put aside the ethics of gambling on tennis when you are CEO of IMG, which owns tournaments and represents scads of players. The man is a master of the financial world and brilliant businessman. But his gambling skills need refining. Who bets against Rafael Nadal at the French Open? That’s, well, crazy.
A for Effort…
Here’s to Rafael Nadal for not only playing the Asian swing, but playing it with his characteristic abandon. Yes, Nadal undoubtedly received some handsome appearance fees. He’s worth the investment.
C-
The Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions in Bali was, as I understood it, supposed to show off the WTA’s up-and-coming talent—those young stars who were not (yet) good enough to qualify for the season-ending championships. It hasn’t worked out that way: This year’s field includes Ana Ivanovic (a former No. 1), Daniela Hantuchova (a veteran second-tier player), Na Li (a 28-year-old veteran) and Kimiko Date Krumm, an 84-year-old former star (actually, she’s 40, but that’s worth at least double in tennis). Here’s rooting for Date Krumm.
Aced It
Congrats to John Isner, who crossed the 1,000-ace barrier. Still amazes me that more than 10 percent of them came in one match…
Prom King and Queen
Three cheers for Maria Sharapova and Sasha Vujacic, who are engaged to be married. And may their children play tennis rather than basketball.
Prom Prince and Princess
Jamie Murray, brother of Andy, was married last month to Alejandra Gutierrez.
Go to Detention
Andy Murray injured his hand by playing video games. The man’s an addict. Get him some help! And a Slam. Maybe in 2011? How’s this as an edict from Judy Murray: No video games until you win a Slam! Now run along and practice.
Honest—To a Fault?
I don’t mind that Oracene Price, who claps for opponents and is the furthest thing from a distraction at a tennis tournament, called the upcoming Fed Cup final between the U.S. Italy “boring.” The thing is, Price—ever honest—is usually on the mark with her comments. Not this time. This contest could be exciting. Had Venus and Serena played, it probably would have been boring (and the U.S. certainly would have won). Italy is the favorite now, but either way, it should be an entertaining weekend.
Tom Perrotta is an Editor-at-Large for TENNIS.