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
