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Is the WTA Facing a Crisis Due to Lack of Young Superstars?
Published: September 30, 2014
This could leave the WTA with a shortage of superstars.
Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova are the two biggest names in women's tennis. When they skip, withdraw or lose in the early rounds of a tournament, interest wanes. It's like the life is sucked out of an event.
This took place last week at the Wuhan Open, when Serena Williams retired in her second-round match and Sharapova lost in the third round. Their early exits came on the heels of Li Na, a global sensation, announcing her retirement from tennis.
Williams turned 33 a few days ago. Sharapova turns 28 in April. Venus Williams is 34. Unlike in years past when teen sensations captured the hearts of fans, the biggest tennis stars today are older.
Sure, there are younger players such as Eugenie Bouchard, Simona Halep and even Petra Kvitova, who are building their resumes and gaining fans.
However, none of them transcend tennis. In fact, the youngsters aren't even close.
Apparently aware of the potential dearth in superstars, the WTA is trying to accelerate stardom.
For the first time, the WTA will hold a Rising Stars Invitational at the WTA Finals. The year-end championship festivities used to be reserved for the top players. This year, the WTA is allowing fans to vote on rising stars they would like to see play in this exhibition, similar to the NBA's rookie game. By making it a popularity contest, the WTA is counting on tennis fans to decide which players are publicity worthy.
The WTA's rising stars are all 23-years-old and under. Four players will be selected from the Asia-Pacific region and four others will be chosen from "the rest of the world." They will compete in a four-match showdown in Singa...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis
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