Yakimova an opponent ranked 53 places below Serena, battled hard and took the first set 7-5 playing consistently and well above her 65th ranking. But as has been the case throughout Williams career, the result and dynamic of the match wasn't about what her opponent was doing, but how Serena was playing and acting on court.
The opening set was full of 'Serena Drama' with a racket
smashed, inconsolable head shakes and hand gestures, and verbal beration all
directed towards herself.
This 'dark side' to Serena has reared its ugly head on
occasions, most notably twice in New York; once in 2009 against Clijsters and
then in last years final vs Sam Stosur. Despite arguably being the most
naturally talented woman to step foot on a tennis court, many would argue that
Serena's attitude and temperament has stopped her legacy being even greater, up
there with the likes of Graf and Navratilova.
Comments made in Brisbane earlier this year made clear that
tennis is not a sport she passionately loves, but a means to an end. A way to
win, and be successful. Remarks and attitudes like this have meant that despite
her immense talent, at times lack of commitment and preparation have left her
short in big matches against more match sharp players.
Whilst the first set showed Serena at her worst and most
frustrating, the second two sets (both won with a 6-1 scoreline) showed her at
her imperious best. For my money, no more complete a tennis player has played
the womens game. Most focus on her massive serve and powerful groundies, but
Williams movement, foot speed, point construction and mental intensity are all
massive factors which elevate her above being just a ballbasher.
Yakimova's form dropped slightly, but her consistency just
couldn't hold up to the bombardment of a wounded Serena, who was visibly angry
at herself for losing a set to a player who really shouldn't get close to
beating her.
The head shakes of the first set were replaced by fist pumps
and 'come-on's' reminiscent of the fiercesome competitor that has so far
captured 13 major titles, the most of an active player.
Effectively, the glum and uninspired Serena, and the pumped
up and intense Serena seem like two completely different personalities, trapped
inside one body. However, i think that without the attitude Serena wouldn't be
the player she is today, or has been throughout her illustrious career.
Serena's angry and at times self-loathing personality on
court, has often to me been the inspiration behind some of her comebacks and
achievements.
Many a time we've witnessed her play sub-par tennis for the
majority of the match and turn it around almost at the push of a button. Her
frustration on court is not all down to 'not loving' tennis, but because she
knows what she is capable of and demands no less from herself everytime she
takes to the court. Without a doubt, this makes her frustrating to watch, and
many will call her sulky and childish, but if Serena had a levelled attitude
and settled for playing averagely (which for her would still make her a top 10
player) then would she have achieved all that she has.....I would say No!
Characters like Serena don't come around too often in a very
subdued game like Tennis. Her fiesty personality may not be to everyone's taste
, but as she creeps past 30, one thing is for sure. We won't be celebrating or
chastising her for too much longer, and when she's gone her celebrity and
presence will be sorely missed.
Watch this point, and ask yourself again if Serena loves tennis? It may annoy her from time to time, but she's still here, and once she's gone i get a feeling both we and she will appreciate what she achieved in the sport!
DJT
