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This is a what-if article parachuting legends of previous era in today's generation and speculating that some would struggle.
The article combines both ATP and WTA and breaks down each player skills and make the case why they think the said player would struggle in today's environment.
My post will only include WTA players.
Of the 8 legends, only 3 are women, some you could have predicted, others would surprise you.
There is lot push-back about the article in the comments section of the website.
Now it is your turn here at the Hub of tennis discussion. Have you say.
The article combines both ATP and WTA and breaks down each player skills and make the case why they think the said player would struggle in today's environment.
My post will only include WTA players.
Of the 8 legends, only 3 are women, some you could have predicted, others would surprise you.
There is lot push-back about the article in the comments section of the website.
Now it is your turn here at the Hub of tennis discussion. Have you say.
8 All-Time Tennis Greats Who Would Struggle on Today's ATP and WTA Tours
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Jason Miller/Getty Images
Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have formed probably the toughest era in history for another player to try and break through with a Grand Slam win.
For evidence, we will rely on the speculations of history's greatest legends and give them a chance to come to 2012 to take on the ATP, and also measure them by the past decade.
Of course, removing the technology and conditions from past legends takes away their comforts and methods of success, so part of this speculation will attempt to examine the former legends by guessing as to how they would adapt with today's demand for baseline power and efficiency. Do they have the skill sets to generate topspin and pace, and can they return well?
There are five legends from the ATP that would undoubtedly struggle with this simulation.
In the WTA, things are more in flux in 2012. It would not be as difficult for Steffi Graf to continue her success now, for example.
There are three legends from the WTA that would probably struggle today, and in the context of the past decade.
Finally, the players that appear in this article were champions, so they would continue to battle with their trademark determination and heart. This is not to denigrate the players from the past, but to try and give an honest look at their skills in the modern game, and likewise show the evolution of tennis. They will be presented chronologically.
There is a major surprise on the final slide that may take a BCS computer to help with the math and speculation. Have fun!
Players Speculative Analysis
7. Martina Navratilova
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Getty Images/Getty Images
There hasn't been a player quite like Navratilova before or since. She always insisted she played tennis the right way, but would she change her game in today's WTA?
She is one of the great athletes in tennis history and could add more topspin to hold her own on the baseline. Her reflexes and touch at net would produce some Grand Slam wins at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.
But the WTA is deeper now, even if there is currently no dominant player. There are enough very good players with different skill sets that would still make it difficult for Navratilova to dominate.
Would she get overpowered by the Williams sisters and Maria Sharapova? Do Victoria Azarenka, Agnieszka Radwańska and Samantha Stosur represent enough variety to trouble Navratilova?
In 2012, Navratilova could very well be the No. 1 player, but taking on the previous decade, it would be tough to win 10 Grand Slams, a far cry from her 18-Slams career at an earlier era.
4. Arantxa Sánchez Vicario
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Simon Bruty/Getty Images
Though her tenacity could give Steffi Graf some fits in the 1990s, Sanchez Vicario's greatest talent was keeping the rally alive for one more ball.
She was the ultimate retriever, but it's a tough way to win Grand Slams in today's WTA, even without the truly dominant players that made women's tennis so strong 10 years ago.
Sanchez Vicario could win the French Open this year, but there are more athletic women who have various ways to attack her game.
A backboard like Caroline Wozniacki could also use her terrific backhand to put pressure on Sanchez Vicario.
Would she have defeated Li Na in last year's French Open?
How would she do against Petra Kvitová's left-handed forehand?
Sanchez Vicario would be a winner, but just one of the mix on the merry-go-round of the WTA.
2 . Martina Hingis
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Al Bello/Getty Images
There was a lot of beauty to her tennis, juxtaposed with her occasional surliness. It's actually a shame she was overshadowed by the power of the Williams sisters, Capriatti's resurgence and other big-hitting players.
It would have been especially delightful to see her extend her peak another five years to challenge Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin.
Now? It might be another similar opportunity for Hingis to direct her intelligent strokes. She plays similarly to Agnieszka Radwańska with her construction of points, scrambling and use of guile.
The biggest question is Hingis's toughness against a variety of skilled players. She rides her confidence well, but her early success may have blighted her willingness to fight through a competitive field.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...ho-would-struggle-on-todays-atp-and-wta-tours
