Queens of the Green

I remember listening to a tennis commentator give her views about Venus Williams and Serena Williams. This was in the summer of 2002, during the Wimbeldon Championships at the All England Club. This commentator presented the Williams sisters as falling champions who would not last a day beyond 2005, at the latest. She based her arguments on the fact that the two had started showing interest in other areas besides the sport, including a liking for fashion and design. True that. She also argued that because of this split in focus, the two were bound to quit; it was just a matter of time.

Today, over five years later, the American tennis champions have continued to defy their critics. They have become successful in their "on the side" engagements, with Venus even coming up with her VW designs. The two have also helped changed the way top tennis players dress up for their games. The old dull fashions, one could say, have been replaced with newer designs that suit player's physiques better. Haven't you noticed that gold, black, crimson, ocean blue and lime green outfits have now become acceptable on the green.

The best part for me is that the world's top female tennis players - either of whom has been in at least seven out of the nine Wimbeldon finals of this century and won - have shown the world that playing smart is far better than playing hard. Serena Williams played her sister Venus in the 2009 Ladies Wimbeldon Championship final, and won. The two also won the 2009 Ladies Doubles! If that doesn't say something about their athleticism, experience and skill on the green, I don't know what else will. Venus Williams and Serena Williams have prooved beyond doubt that they are the queens of the green. Way to go Williams!

©Romosh