[shap_half]

A match-up that for 15 years now is NID featuring two players years beyond their peak, and yet, it's all women's tennis has been talking about since the draw came out. in fact, only meetings between the Big 3 in the ATP generates more buzz.

Why?

 

[jameshazza]

Two biggest stars still despite their age and h2h 🤷

Plus no match since Maria's autobiography.

Also they've no issue not hiding their dislike for one another.

 

[In The Zone]

This is not a rivalry by any means because it's not competitive but it is the only matchup in the women's game that has EVERYTHING needed for a rivalry except the competition. Buzz and drama galore. I'll take it.

 

[Sphrontanascier]

For this.

 

[Hugues Daniel]

It is not anymore.

 

[Kurmay3Katti]

It's fun because you know Serena shows up for this matchup every time. She beats Maria every time, but she never takes the match easy.

 

[LewisCarroll]

Why transformers is such a big blockbuster? Why Tyler Perry was the most well paid actor in hollywood? Why is Kardashian so well known?

It may be popular, but I wouldn't call it important.

 

[Kenneth Chow]

Maria Sharapova stopped being relevant 5 YEARS AGO!!!

 

[Shifty-Eyed Dog]

It's not important, it's just amusing.

 

[martin_91]

It's not anymore, but it definitely helps to get people interested from the R1

 

[SoBizarre]

Why?

Two marquee names (BIGGEST ones) playing each other in first round?

 

[groucho marx]

It's not important, it's just amusing.

:yeah:

 

[RookiePundit]

It's fun because you know Serena shows up for this matchup every time. She beats Maria every time, but she never takes the match easy.

Literally lol. Last time she did not show up at all.

 

[RookiePundit]

Why transformers is such a big blockbuster? Why Tyler Perry was the most well paid actor in hollywood? Why is Kardashian so well known?

It may be popular, but I wouldn't call it important.

Who?

 

[goldenlox]

For the same reason a Rousey/Tate fight would do better than fights between the best current woman fighters
Serena and Sharapova were good for a long time, famous for a long time, and casual sports fans dont follow whats happening each major, but they recognize the famous names

 

[swissfanatic]

i think important is the wrong word here.i believe the match will have very little effect on who actually wins the tournament ,so it's not really important .:shrug:

but its a fun popcorn match .

 

[posthuman]

A match-up that for 15 years now is NID featuring two players years beyond their peak, and yet, it's all women's tennis has been talking about since the draw came out. in fact, only meetings between the Big 3 in the ATP generates more buzz.

Why?

because it's a match between #1 and #3* best active players?

 

[AlexMA]

A match-up that for 15 years now is NID featuring two players years beyond their peak, and yet, it's all women's tennis has been talking about since the draw came out. in fact, only meetings between the Big 3 in the ATP generates more buzz.

Why?

Short answer: nostalgia. In the tennis world I think only Federer Nadal generates more buzz. Of course everyone expects Serena to drag Sharapova, but that doesn't make it any less exciting. Oh and it's the first time they've ever met here. Also might be the last time we see this, as neither one is getting any younger and with Sharapova not finding her form it's become increasingly unlikely for them to meet in the latter stages of a tournament, like they used to back in the day.

 

[daxypoo]

because any one who isnt into tennis at all but might have caught a glance 10 years ago would maybe know their names and might tune in

it is a tournaments dream to have two champions (who cares if they are past their prime) play—— in the first round

$$$$& is king and williams v sharapova already have matches archived on “classic matches”

it is hype- seller; great for a first round

most people dont care and cant tell they have slowed a step or two; imagine if it is a tight match?

then the espn commentators can yammer for the first week if it is a good match

if it is a really good match they can show it over and over and over on rain delays (even though 2 roofs)

it covers a lot of bases

and, as everyone here realizes, the media needs a focal point each day- and the tournament as well

so before day 1 there is something concrete to latch on to

nadal and federer arent playing day 1
and the fans who dont know a lot of players wont know the “matchups of the day” and which might be better than the other

also, now how do you organize tv; do you put serena and sharapovra on first night on ashe?

better than 1 and 2 seeds getting a random first round

i would put whole day one around this match and have it on ashe at night

 

[Monzanator]

It's like that Tiger vs Mickelson wager game.. or like Washington Redskins free agency class... way past-prime these days :lol: