I hear all the points being made, but I don't exactly understand what ys is meaning.
In ATP you have higher chance of seeds getting knocked out than in WTA. I know this (as I'm sure everyone else here does). That is not necessarily "strength in depth" but could be perceived as the average beating the average on any given day (this point has already been made by other so I won't labour it).
Does that necessarily mean ATP is producing better champions (the thought of Jiri Novak getting to a Slam final is really exciting me I must say, great doubles player though he is)?
Escude-Sampras served us up a treat, yes, but watching Tommy Haas v. Todd Martin was excruciating, saved only by Haas' ability to stroke a ball around the court. His opponent (Martin) was a nonentity, even when he was leading.
I personally feel that where lower ranked women fall short of beating higher ranked women is mentally.
The #1 female player will always exert a much more noticeable aura over a #40 player than in men's. I truly believe that. And whilst on any given day you will have a player able to upset Agassi, I think that a lot of the women (barring this 'mental' thing, that can only be put down to some psychology that I don't understand) could upset a lot more of the top players.
Why is Meghann Shaughnessy ranked higher than Daniela Hantuchova, or Patty Schnyder? Is it because she's more talented? Sorry, but I don't think so. There are factors that bar a players progress that have nothing to do with their ability to hit a ball. And I think that this effects the women more than the men.
I have been disappointed with the lack of bite shown by Elena. Hey maybe it was one of those times when you just get everything wrong. Just ask Tim Henman about that.
But I was heartened by the performance turned in by both Rita Grande and Marlene Weingartner.
I hear what Rios said, and I agree with it, I just think he should think about the flaws that exist in the ATP and shoot his mouth off about that. Get his house in order, then come talk about WTA.