Maria is a delightful mix of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Centre Court ferociousness. The Belgians (Kimmy and Justine) have a certain je ne sais quoi. The Serbs (JJ and AI) bring an appealing Balkan bravado.
But (like it or not) it’s Serena Williams who stirs the pot, overshadowing even older sister Venus when it comes to keeping tennis above the fold. And with the 13-time Slam champ’s withdrawal from the U.S. Open, the year-end Slam just lost a whole lot of star power. Williams, who injured her right foot in July shortly after winning Wimbledon, won’t be the only marquee absentee in Flushing Meadows (defending champion Juan Martin Del Potro‘s wrist injury lingers on, two-time titlist Henin is sidelined until at least October, and powerballing Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga continues to struggle with knee problems), but when it comes to the buzz factor, no one will be more sorely missed.
Ironically, it was her feet that got her into trouble last year, when, upon being called for a foot fault against Clijsters in the semis, she was tossed out of Ashe Stadium following an obscenity laced tired aimed at a diminutive (and clearly intimidated) lineswoman. Her return to NYC was perhaps the most highly anticipated sports reunion of the year following LeBron James‘ Dec. 2 homecoming in Cleveland and Brett Favre‘s will-he-or-won’t-he circus in Minnesota.
It marks the first time since the inception of computer rankings in 1975 that the WTA Tour’s No. 1-ranked player will miss the Open.
Williams expressed “frustration and deep sadness,” adding, “I take great pride in playing the Grand Slam tournaments and have not missed one since 2006. Not being able to be part of this year’s U.S. Open is one of the most devastating moments of my career. Playing in front of the electric crowd of New York at the U.S. Open and competing against the best female athletes in the world is always a highlight.”
