Williams 'rivalry' proves nonexistent

TENNIS: Judging by the two decidedly mediocre grand slam finals the Williams sisters have played against each other so far, and given that they have now established themselves as the top two players in the world, the immediate future of women's tennis appears bleak.

This has nothing to do with their ability. Serena, who became the French Open champion here on Saturday, and Venus, were clearly the two best women players at Roland Garros, and thoroughly deserved to be in the final. But once there, the competition effectively ended.

There was no tension, no conflict. And unlike last year's US Open final, with its Hollywood overtones, there was no show. The WWF wrestlers at least provide a spectacle.

The French crowd surrounding the Court Philippe Chatrier did not know what to make of it, and generally sat on their hands until the end. There were occasional whistles of derision, such was the poor quality of the error-strewn tennis, but supporters thrive on taking sides and this is impossible when the sisters are playing each other. As Venus tellingly said: "Probably people see us as the same."

There was, inevitably, talk of the match having been arranged in Serena's favour. Perhaps it was, perhaps it wasn't. Venus, the US Open and Wimbledon champion, served for the first set at 5-3, but managed only one point. Of her 11 service games, she held only three times. Psychologically, if nothing else, she was not at the races and hit only four winners.

There will be those who deny it, but every match the sisters have played against each other has been little more than an exhibition. Saturday's final had its moments of quality, but of the 149 points contested, 101 were unforced errors.

Serena spoke afterwards of building a rivalry with Venus and making a legacy. Between them they have won six of the last 11 grand slam titles, beginning with Serena's victory at the 1999 US Open, so the legacy is already established. But not the rivalry. That is non-existent.

The most endearing side of the Williams is their liking for each other, and their mutual support. Yet even this militates against the essence of a sporting occasion when they meet - the exhilaration of the winner and the disappointment of the loser. Sure, Serena was happy. Sure, Venus was a touch subdued. But nothing much else.

What they need to do is play in different slams, two apiece per year. A Williams vs the Rest has appeal; Williams vs Williams is a dead duck.

Guardian Service