Courting fashion

There was a time, not too long ago, when the ladies tennis circuit was populated by graceful players. And then, in the blink of an eye, the scene was quickly altered so that the court became some sort of fashion parade. Gone are the days of pure white; today, many players seem to employ stylists rather than coaches to prep them for their games. One of them, this year's defending champion at the US Open, inserts real gold into her shoes (I am told)! The glitter couldn't save her though, as she was handed an early exit ticket.

Last night at the US Open was quite a study in contrasts. Justine Henin, thin as a rail, dressed in relatively sober attire. Her opponent, Serena Williams, sported elaborate hair plaits, shoulder-length glitter swinging from her ears, and a long chain to match. The focus of one was solely on the tennis. The other seemed to go to pieces in the span of just a few games, trying to muscle her way out against a player who had a lot more than just power. Thankfully, the tennis won out, and Serena now has all the time in the world to devote to her new fashion apparel label.

When the Williams sisters arrived on the scene, they just blew the rest away with their focus on raw power. Games were unbelievably short (and perhaps a tad ugly, even). But the field seems to have adjusted beautifully to match that power. Grace and strategy to the fore again! And no more sobbing Mr. Williams, scared of attending a Grand Slam lest he has to see one of his daughters lose to the other. The Williams sisters, of course, never learn. They continue to be sore losers, always crediting their own injuries/fitness/errors rather than a superior opponent.

But for now, all seems to be well. Let the games continue!