As the 2016 tennis season comes to a close, one cannot help but notice the change in who rules the tennis world. This year saw the perhaps temporary end of Serena Williams’ governance over the WTA Tour. After capturing almost every major title possible over the past four years, injuries thwarted her ability to play most of the 2016 season. Smelling blood and opportunity, Angelique Kerber stepped up to the plate and took the number one ranking right out of Williams’ hands. The German dominated the entire 2016 season by clinching the Australian and U.S Open, along with making finals appearances at the Olympics and season-ending championships. It was the first time in four years that someone else ended the year as the highest-ranked player besides Williams.
The men’s side also experienced a displacement at number one. Beginning tomorrow, Andy Murray’s name will be seen at the top of the rankings as his performance throughout the year has been nothing short of stellar. Year after year Murray was either the second, third, or fourth best player, even after capturing two Grand Slams and an Olympic Gold medal. But this year was to be different. 2016 saw Murray reach his first final at Roland Garros, capture 8 titles including Wimbledon and a second Olympic gold medal in Rio. Novak Djokovic’s year has also been phenomenal as he swept the biggest titles in the first half of the year but was unable to replicate that same feat in the second half. Djokovic’s inability to defend all the points he accumulated in the fall of 2015 allowed Murray to capitalize and clinch the number one ranking for the first time in his remarkable career.
Much like Serena in 2016, Djokovic’s dominance had given way to players who had long been knocking at the door of opportunity. This year Novak and Serena met their match: themselves. What can you do when you are unable to surpass the standards of a sport for which you have set? You have no choice but to realize your own mortality as others take your place. Defiantly albeit but even the most gallant of fighters succumb to the greatest champion of all, Father Time. Streaks are meant to be broken and change is inevitable. A new player must come forth and bear the weight of expectations set by the legends before them.
In the end, consistency has proven itself to be the best route taken on the road to number one. The ability to win titles on a regular basis coupled with deep runs to the finals and semifinals can almost guarantee one’s spot at the top but as we have seen time and time again, nothing is certain in the world of professional tennis.
Unstrung with Chè Benjamin 