Japan's Naomi Osaka posing with her winning trophy at the Australia Open in February. AFP
Japan's Naomi Osaka posing with her winning trophy at the Australia Open in February. AFP
Japan's Naomi Osaka posing with her winning trophy at the Australia Open in February. AFP
Japan's Naomi Osaka posing with her winning trophy at the Australia Open in February. AFP

Lack of a dominant force on WTA Tour is sign of strength not weakness


Reem Abulleil
  • English
  • Arabic

For a while now, the most common, yet least accurate, narrative surrounding women’s tennis has been that there is no consistency on the WTA tour; that it is chaotic and unpredictable.

The lack of a dominant force – à la Serena Williams in her peak years, or the ATP’s ‘Big Three’ – has led many pundits and fans to mistakenly paint the women’s circuit in a negative light.

They view the depth in the women’s field as a weakness instead of a strength, and are missing out on the season-long context of WTA tennis by just focusing on the four Grand Slams and worrying about how many times the No 1 ranking has switched hands.

Take this simple stat as an example. In a recent conversation, someone told me that a sign of the erratic nature of the WTA tour was the fact that we’ve witnessed five first-time Grand Slam champions in the last nine majors.

Also true is that Naomi Osaka has won four of those last nine majors. Discussing the same time period, you get two very different stats implying almost opposite sides of the argument.

If you really want to assess the level of consistency on the WTA tour, then the answer has got to be way more nuanced than simply listing the names of recent slam winners.

Yes, the degree of depth on the WTA has reached such great heights that it feels like anyone can beat anyone on a given day. Upsets are aplenty and many new names have emerged but a close look at the biggest events on tour since the start of 2019 tells a different story.

Of the 50 tournaments at the WTA 500 level (formerly Premier level) or higher played since the beginning of 2019 (including slams and year-end championships), 29 were won by a top-10 player and a total of 40 were captured by a top-20 player.

Just 12 women accounted for 44 of the 50 titles won at that level, with four players (Ashleigh Barty, Aryna Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka and Karolina Pliskova) combining to claim 24 of them.

"What we've seen really over the last two to three years, maybe even four, is the solidifying of a group of players as being the ones who are the ones to beat on the tour. The depth has kind of solidified," Courtney Nguyen, a senior writer for WTA Insider, told The National.

“You need consistency on multiple levels, right? You need consistency not just among a certain top echelon group of players to generally dominate as a group, but you also need the consistency of that second tier, that middle-class group of players to be consistent threats.

“Because one-off threats week by week, that just leans towards more ‘chaos and unpredictability’, whereas when you have a set of players who you know can reliably challenge the dominant group, then you have rivalries and then you have dramatic tension and then you having a compelling product that is viewed more positively and I think that’s what we’re seeing particularly in 2021 but even it was bubbling last year in the interrupted season and also in 2019.”

One of the many intriguing rivalries that have developed recently is the one between reigning world No 1 Barty and new world No 4 Sabalenka.

Barty, who was bizarrely criticised for keeping her position at the summit while the rankings were frozen and she was out of action due to travel restrictions in Australia during the pandemic, has claimed eight singles trophies at the 500-level or higher since the start of 2019, while Sabalenka is close behind with six.

On Saturday in Madrid, they faced off for the third time in five weeks, and were meeting in a final for a second consecutive tournament. Barty came out on top in the first two of those encounters, beating the Belarusian in the Miami quarter-finals and the Stuttgart title decider before Sabalenka struck back to lift the trophy in the Spanish capital to level up their overall head-to-head to an even 4-4.

Barty was contesting her fourth final of the season, while Sabalenka was in her third. They’re both multiple-time titlists in 2021 and have respectively gone on impressive runs in their own unique ways.

The 23-year-old Sabalenka amassed a 15-match winning streak between October and January that saw her clinch three titles back-to-back in Ostrava, Linz and Abu Dhabi. Barty put together a 16-match undefeated run on red clay – her least favourite surface – that started with her Roland Garros title triumph back in 2019 and ended at the weekend in Madrid.

Have I mentioned that Barty and Sabalenka have also won doubles Grand Slam titles? If that’s not consistency, I don’t know what is!

Another player that went on a roll after the tour restarted from its five-month pandemic-induced hiatus was Osaka, who won 23 matches in a row between August and March. Iga Swiatek followed up her maiden title success at the French Open last fall by lifting a second trophy a few months later in Adelaide.

“I do think that consistency on the WTA tour, not just among big players, but just consistency on the whole is an underrated quality on the WTA tour,” says Nguyen.

World No 9 Karolina Pliskova during a training session at the Italian Open on Tuesday, May 11. Reuters
World No 9 Karolina Pliskova during a training session at the Italian Open on Tuesday, May 11. Reuters

“Underrated by the commentariat, underrated by fans; as tennis has evolved to where the grand slams have become the four tent-pole events, primarily because of prize money – they’re prestigious because they pay the most – there has been this idea of the Slams being the ultimate prize in tennis and that what you do over the course of a two-week fortnight is going to be superior to what you do over the course of a 52-week span of playing professional tennis.

“I think that that’s a bit laughable – not that one is better than the other, but that one has been so undervalued compared to the other, is a bit concerning I think. Because it results in a lack of understanding of the context of the sport, of why the events like this week in Rome are significant, or why Madrid last week is significant.”

Reducing a 10-month tour to just 12 weeks of Grand Slam tennis, and basing judgment of the women’s game solely on the majors is essentially what is feeding these misconceptions.

Consistency on the big stage has definitely improved and the narrative has indeed changed but it is taking some time for people to acknowledge this development, according to Nguyen.

“It takes a two-season cycle, in my experience, for people to catch up to what the current narrative on tour is and what is happening on tour just because you want data points. And what we’re seeing now is that this consistency, to bring the consistency against the quality of opposition that currently exists on tour, with respect to the depth, that is something that is now being lauded – as it should be,” she added.

The WTA right now has the perfect mix of top-tier players excelling at the biggest events, and a super-strong chasing pack – that includes the likes of Elise Mertens and Maria Sakkari – that is constantly challenging them.

The dominant group may not be as tight as the ATP’s timeless ‘Big Three’, but it’s providing a wider variety of personalities, rivalries and playing styles, and is pushing the collective to up their game at every corner.

Just wait, the product will keep getting stronger, while still maintaining a degree of unpredictability that will soon be celebrated instead of criticised.

Belgium's Elise Mertens during her Madrid Open quarter-final defeat against Aryna Sabalenka on Wednesday, May 5. EPA
Belgium's Elise Mertens during her Madrid Open quarter-final defeat against Aryna Sabalenka on Wednesday, May 5. EPA
EXPATS
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Gulf Men's League final

Dubai Hurricanes 24-12 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

While you're here
Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Cinco in numbers

Dh3.7 million

The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown

46

The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.

1,000

The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]

50

How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday

3,000

The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.

1.1 million

The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.

Roll%20of%20Honour%2C%20men%E2%80%99s%20domestic%20rugby%20season
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWest%20Asia%20Premiership%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Tigers%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Bahrain%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20Premiership%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Jebel%20Ali%20Dragons%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Dubai%20Hurricanes%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20Division%201%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Sharks%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Harlequins%20II%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20Division%202%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Tigers%20III%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Dubai%20Sharks%20II%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDubai%20Sevens%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChampions%3A%20Dubai%20Tigers%0D%3Cbr%3ERunners%20up%3A%20Dubai%20Hurricanes%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Business Insights
  • Canada and Mexico are significant energy suppliers to the US, providing the majority of oil and natural gas imports
  • The introduction of tariffs could hinder the US's clean energy initiatives by raising input costs for materials like nickel
  • US domestic suppliers might benefit from higher prices, but overall oil consumption is expected to decrease due to elevated costs
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Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
SHAITTAN
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company profile

Date started: 2015

Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki

Based: Dubai

Sector: Online grocery delivery

Staff: 200

Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Getting%20there%20and%20where%20to%20stay
%3Cp%3EFly%20with%20Etihad%20Airways%20from%20Abu%20Dhabi%20to%20New%20York%E2%80%99s%20JFK.%20There's%2011%20flights%20a%20week%20and%20economy%20fares%20start%20at%20around%20Dh5%2C000.%3Cbr%3EStay%20at%20The%20Mark%20Hotel%20on%20the%20city%E2%80%99s%20Upper%20East%20Side.%20Overnight%20stays%20start%20from%20%241395%20per%20night.%3Cbr%3EVisit%20NYC%20Go%2C%20the%20official%20destination%20resource%20for%20New%20York%20City%20for%20all%20the%20latest%20events%2C%20activites%20and%20openings.%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Moon Music

Artist: Coldplay

Label: Parlophone/Atlantic

Number of tracks: 10

Rating: 3/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

Russia's Muslim Heartlands

Dominic Rubin, Oxford

World%20Cup%202023%20ticket%20sales
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Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now

THE SPECS

Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine 

Power: 420kW

Torque: 780Nm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Price: From Dh1,350,000

On sale: Available for preorder now

The Bio

Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Favourite place to relax in UAE: the desert around Al Mleiha in Sharjah or the eastern mangroves in Abu Dhabi
The one book everyone should read: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It will make your mind fly
Favourite documentary: Chasing Coral by Jeff Orlowski. It's a good reality check about one of the most valued ecosystems for humanity

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPowertrain%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle%20electric%20motor%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E201hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E310Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E53kWh%20lithium-ion%20battery%20pack%20(GS%20base%20model)%3B%2070kWh%20battery%20pack%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETouring%20range%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E350km%20(GS)%3B%20480km%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C900%20(GS)%3B%20Dh149%2C000%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Scoreline

Bournemouth 2

Wilson 70', Ibe 74'

Arsenal 1

Bellerin 52'

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Defence review at a glance

• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”

• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems

• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.

• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%

• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade

• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels

Our legal advisor

Ahmad El Sayed is Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.

Experience: Commercial litigator who has assisted clients with overseas judgments before UAE courts. His specialties are cases related to banking, real estate, shareholder disputes, company liquidations and criminal matters as well as employment related litigation. 

Education: Sagesse University, Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005.

BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

RESULTS

Women:

55kg brown-black belt: Amal Amjahid (BEL) bt Amanda Monteiro (BRA) via choke
62kg brown-black belt: Bianca Basilio (BRA) bt Ffion Davies (GBR) via referee’s decision (0-0, 2-2 adv)
70kg brown-black belt: Ana Carolina Vieira (BRA) bt Jessica Swanson (USA), 9-0
90kg brown-black belt: Angelica Galvao (USA) bt Marta Szarecka (POL) 8-2

Men:

62kg black belt: Joao Miyao (BRA) bt Wan Ki-chae (KOR), 7-2
69kg black belt: Paulo Miyao (BRA) bt Gianni Grippo (USA), 2-2 (1-0 adv)
77kg black belt: Espen Mathiesen (NOR) bt Jake Mackenzie (CAN)
85kg black belt: Isaque Braz (BRA) bt Faisal Al Ketbi (UAE), 2-0
94kg black belt: Felipe Pena (BRA) bt Adam Wardzinski (POL), 4-0
110kg black belt final: Erberth Santos (BRA) bt Lucio Rodrigues (GBR) via rear naked choke

Opening weekend Premier League fixtures

Weekend of August 10-13

Arsenal v Manchester City

Bournemouth v Cardiff City

Fulham v Crystal Palace

Huddersfield Town v Chelsea

Liverpool v West Ham United

Manchester United v Leicester City

Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur

Southampton v Burnley

Watford v Brighton & Hove Albion

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Everton