I personally don't see what the big deal is that Jennifer and Venus have pulled out of tournaments. I understand that fans want to see these players and that a lot of people were looking forward to seeing them at the events they pulled out of. However, I understand why both players pulled out.
In my opinion, the tennis season is too long and the players need a 3 or 4 month offseason. It would benefit players in so many ways. Not only would they get a chance to recover and take some time off, but I think a lot of players would be in better shape if they could have a solid break.
Offseasons are important because players get a chance to recover mentally from a long stressful season. I think tennis is probably one of the higest pressure and physically demanding sports in the world. Getting out of a competitive atmosphere might help out a lot of players. The NFL offseason is longer than the season for Pete's sake.
Even if Jennifer withdrew so she wouldn't have to face Amelie, I would be perfectly understanding. While beating Amelie would boost her confidence, another loss (especially in the QF) would be demoralizing. However, I will believe Jen that she was sick.
I don't see what the big deal is if an athlete takes some time off or skips an event or two. In most individual sports, it is highly COMMON for athletes to take an extended break after a major event. For example:
Swimming: Dara Torres unretired after a 7 year layoff and compete in the 2000 Olympics
Track and Field: Cathy Freeman took at least one season off following the Olympics but plans to compete in the 2004 Olympics
Figure Skating:Following the 1998 Olympics, Michelle Kwan skipped the fall season (and she plans to do so again this year)
A high percentage of Olympic medalists tend to skip the World Championships in Olympic seasons
Todd Eldredge took a two year break from major competitions
Gymnastics: several gymnasts from the Mag 7 took time off after the 1996 Games but competed at the 2000 Gymnastics trials
So basically, I don't see what the big deal is if a player wants to withdraw from an event or two. If someone decided to skip the entire indoor season, I wouldn't blame them either.
In my opinion, the tennis season is too long and the players need a 3 or 4 month offseason. It would benefit players in so many ways. Not only would they get a chance to recover and take some time off, but I think a lot of players would be in better shape if they could have a solid break.
Offseasons are important because players get a chance to recover mentally from a long stressful season. I think tennis is probably one of the higest pressure and physically demanding sports in the world. Getting out of a competitive atmosphere might help out a lot of players. The NFL offseason is longer than the season for Pete's sake.
Even if Jennifer withdrew so she wouldn't have to face Amelie, I would be perfectly understanding. While beating Amelie would boost her confidence, another loss (especially in the QF) would be demoralizing. However, I will believe Jen that she was sick.
I don't see what the big deal is if an athlete takes some time off or skips an event or two. In most individual sports, it is highly COMMON for athletes to take an extended break after a major event. For example:
Swimming: Dara Torres unretired after a 7 year layoff and compete in the 2000 Olympics
Track and Field: Cathy Freeman took at least one season off following the Olympics but plans to compete in the 2004 Olympics
Figure Skating:Following the 1998 Olympics, Michelle Kwan skipped the fall season (and she plans to do so again this year)
A high percentage of Olympic medalists tend to skip the World Championships in Olympic seasons
Todd Eldredge took a two year break from major competitions
Gymnastics: several gymnasts from the Mag 7 took time off after the 1996 Games but competed at the 2000 Gymnastics trials
So basically, I don't see what the big deal is if a player wants to withdraw from an event or two. If someone decided to skip the entire indoor season, I wouldn't blame them either.