Are the Williams sisters still playing loose?

**Joubert**[$] · #1 06-10-2002, 08:58 AM

A year ago, you couldn't escape the media attention that Serena would tank to Venus or vice versa. At one point, they were their own version of Eight [Wo]men Out. Clearly, they're two of the top tennis players in the world. They probably even deserve their rankings. But for those of you who watched Saturday, do you still think they're playing straight and whichever sisters wins is the victor? Or is there an even more subtle force at work where one sister lays up for whatever reason?

**mrisch**[$] · #2 06-10-2002, 11:32 AM

I was thinking the same thing. Why are their matches always filled with errors? Perhaps they are nervous, but maybe Daddy is saying who wins.

**Prepoia**[$] · #3 06-10-2002, 01:20 PM

I agree. A little "too" staged for me. I think they take turns or the one that needs the win for her record gets to win.

But are they both the tops? Yep, right now I think they are Excellent.

d_fienberg · #4 06-10-2002, 01:54 PM

I don't know if I buy the whole "Daddy decides who wins the matches," but I can totally understand how the pressure of playing against your sister could cause you to make mistakes. Another alternative? The Williams sisters hit the ball so much harder than any other women on tour that they don't get to prepare for seeing the ball hit that hard in match play. Sure, they practice together, but I don't know if they simulate game conditions or anything or play at full strength. So they get out there and no amount of matchers against the second and third tier players can prepare them for each other. So they get sloppy.

The game they play is getting really close to the unwatchable breed of tennis that the men play on every surface besides clay.

Or alternatively, Daddy just decides who wins each match and this week was just Serena's turn.

Dan

frazzledspice · #5 07-05-2002, 02:37 PM

It's Venus v.s. Serena in the finals.

This time it's Mom who'll be watching in the stands.

Venus is seeded first, but Serena has just been rated #1 Women's tennis player in the world.

If they were unrelated and unprone to errors during matches against one another, they would probably give us the match of the century. But it's hard to set aside 21 years of being sisters, training, playing doubles, and living together for one magnificent competition.

kurt_messick · #6 07-05-2002, 03:28 PM

It is amazing to watch. I hope it is all on the up-and-up.

#7 07-05-2002, 04:27 PM

Perhaps the family bond is stranger than the competitive streak?

brian_igo · #8 07-07-2002, 07:53 PM

I don't know if the matches are still decided before the opening serve, but I don't care. But because they have made this is a legitimate question based on their past actions, they have no credibility in my book.

When either Venus or Serena is playing anyone else, it is obvious that their rankings are well deserved. Shame they've come this far to cheapen the ultimate rewards in their sport.

Brian