This year’s US open has seen lower rank players providing
tough contest to higher ranked players. They showed determination to fight for
points, to play to their strengths and exploit the weaknesses of opponents. And
this is how the Grand slam tournament should be. Once you are in, you need to
forget the rankings. Lower ranked player gets an equal opportunity to beat a
higher ranked player as is the case.
History reveals that top ranked players hardly lose a set in
opening rounds of Grand slam tournament. As soon as it happens, critics start
questioning. They question whether a player really has potential to go far in
the tournament, whether he or she will weather the mighty opponents in next
rounds and so forth. But, while criticizing, they forget that the opponent is
not there to play some lose tennis and throw away the match just like anything.
Take a case of Federer, who had to fight hard to win first two matches against
opponents who were less experienced but full of energy and attitude to never
bow down until last point. Critics raised their voice and challenged the
potential of Federer winning the third grand slam of the year. But, this is
also a moment for top ranked players to showcase their mettle on the big stage.
And quite often, they exhibit.
Such matches also depict the rise of a lower ranked
youngster who defeats higher seeded players. Take Sloane Stephens – an unseeded
player has marched ahead beating top ranked players like Venus Williams to
reach her maiden final. There is no doubt on her capabilities but somehow
missed the limelight. Some of other players include Juan Martin Del Portro,
Denis Shapovalov. They defy the odds, focus on their own game and show their
strengths on the tennis court. Otherwise, how will we see a new champion in the
making?
I hope to see this fascinating balancing feature of the
grand slam tournaments.
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