[+Y-T]

In hindsight, the fact that Venus has 7 slams herself strengthens Serena's 2002. So 2002.

[Start da Game]

i would say 2012......the level of domination is phenomenal......48-2 or something of her last 50 matches......she was effectively few games away from beating razzano and winning the french open as well this year......

2002 she was probably more strong physically but it really doesn't matter if she can play like she did this year.....

[Roookie]

Originally Posted by AcesHigh

No she wouldnt. 2012 Serena isn't serving that much better. It's a matter of subtle improvements and the level of competition today.

Additionally, Serena is not even nearly as agile on the return.

No way Serena served close to this level in 2002. Her placement, disguise and clutchness on this shot its been on another level since 2010.

[Z1988]

I have to give a little edge to 2002; due to her inconsistency in the first half of her 2012 season...

[kiwifan]

1st round loss in a Slam? How could that be included in her "best year"?

Sure she got better and made it one of her "best years"...

...I think there has to be another French Open victory in order to even bring the question up...

...but let us hope that 2013 puts us in a place where we really have to compare it to Serena 2002.

[In The Zone]

I was being nostalgic and watching some of Serena's 2002 and 2003 matches, especially the ones against Henin, Capriati, and Mauresmo.

Serena's serve has improved TREMENDOUSLY. AND! Her groundstrokes today have more juice and accuracy. 2012 Serena definitely get a set off 2002 Serena, no doubt. I think 2002's movement would expose 2012's Serena LACK of movement in the end though.

[brickhousesupporter]

Originally Posted by In The Zone

I was being nostalgic and watching some of Serena's 2002 and 2003 matches, especially the ones against Henin, Capriati, and Mauresmo.

Serena's serve has improved TREMENDOUSLY. AND! Her groundstrokes today have more juice and accuracy. 2012 Serena definitely get a set off 2002 Serena, no doubt. I think 2002's movement would expose 2012's Serena LACK of movement in the end though.

Did you see the Paris indoors match in 2003 against Mauresmo. It is one of my favorites. Momo came out storming and Serena got into her grove and Muaresmo was over.

[heavyhorse]

Not really a comparison, imo. 2002 was the best year for her, even if I'm highly suspicious of her French Open win.

[heavyhorse]

Originally Posted by Roookie

No way Serena served close to this level in 2002. Her placement, disguise and clutchness on this shot its been on another level since 2010.

But remember, along with the aces comes practically the same amount of double faults. They pretty much go hand-in-hand for her serve.

She still has THE best serve on the WTA, though.

[bandabou]

'02 Serena's serve wasn't too shabby either, no?! plus then she had the movement..people act like it's just now that Serena learned to serve. Serena ALWAYS had the serve. nowadays she relies more on it, but in the past it was still good for 6 aces a match.

[TennisPhan]

Originally Posted by In The Zone

I was being nostalgic and watching some of Serena's 2002 and 2003 matches, especially the ones against Henin, Capriati, and Mauresmo.

Serena's serve has improved TREMENDOUSLY. AND! Her groundstrokes today have more juice and accuracy. 2012 Serena definitely get a set off 2002 Serena, no doubt. I think 2002's movement would expose 2012's Serena LACK of movement in the end though.

I did the same and noticed Serena 2002 played a lot more to the middle. In the last couple of years she places the balls in the corners more often with less UE's (AO Final vs Henin is a good example of where the difference started to show). Serena 2012 movement is really good, not as good as 2002, but it's not that far off.

The slam results show 2002 was her best year, but she's playing her best ever in 2012 (not the whole year, but PEAK-wise). here's why:

- Improved shot placement (2012)
- improved serve (2012)
- improved variety (2012)
- slightly better movement (2002)

Experienced Serena takes it! but the difference is small..

[TennisPhan]

Originally Posted by Z1988

I have to give a little edge to 2002; due to her inconsistency in the first half of her 2012 season...

The inconsistency was because of the long lay off ---> near death experience??? shouldn't be counted.

she beat tougher competition in 2002 so it was her best season, but peak play is 2012

[L'Enfant Sauvage]

Originally Posted by heavyhorse

Not really a comparison, imo. 2002 was the best year for her, even if I'm highly suspicious of her French Open win.

Suspicious? What's there to be suspicious of? Do you think she snuck into the stadium and stole it?

Originally Posted by heavyhorse

But remember, along with the aces comes practically the same amount of double faults. They pretty much go hand-in-hand for her serve.

She still has THE best serve on the WTA, though.

... That's not true

[le bon vivant]

Originally Posted by Williamsova

Suspicious? What's there to be suspicious of? Do you think she snuck into the stadium and stole it?



... That's not true

Sanctutary, sis.

[The Dawntreader]

No way is Serena better off the ground now. Back in '02/03, her shots had so much leverage, huge thudding power complimented by great width and accuracy. Just look at the US Open final of 2002- she made Venus look underpowered and slow, such was the sheer insanity of her hitting.

Nowadays Serena is certainly more inventive on court, and can probably gage the tempo of a match much better. Also she has refined her serve to the extent that it becomes borderline unplayable when serving over 60%.

Movement wise, she's nowhere near the athlete she was 10 years ago. But that's to be expected obviously. What Serena has done is adapt completely to the changing conditions and limitations in her game, and that is the proof of an enduring champion. Making compromises, but not at the expense of limiting your results.

As for the question, 2002>>2012.