One of the items on my bucket list was to hit with professional tennis players. Today, I checked that item off after participating in a hitting session with Iva Majoli, Zarina Diyas and Shelby Rogers. Iva, winner of the 1997 Roland Garros, still hit the ball effortlessly and could keep up with the rising stars.
The tennis stars were encouraging and humble, and applauded us, the mere mortals, when we hit the ball in the court. I even hit a winner against Iva! Shelby, I’m available for Wimbledon mixed doubles anytime you call!
The legends and rising stars then held their all access media hour in the ArtScience Museum. Tennis legends Martina Navratilova and Tracy Austin were in attendance to field questions about the past, current and future of tennis. Martina remarked that the current game features less breakout teens due to the higher bounce of the balls, and also the age eligibility that the WTA enforces. Tracy, herself the teen phenom, was grateful that the rule was not in place when she was playing as she achieved her best results in her teens, stood on the fence when asked about her pick to win the tournament.
Tennis action finally kicked off in the Singapore Indoor Stadium, when the 4 legends took to the court in a relaxed doubles exhibition match. Bartoli’s lethal ground strokes still had sting, as Tracy and Iva struggled to keep up with her. The hit and giggle session ended with Navratilova/Bartoli winning 8-5.
Li Na hit the first ceremonial ball, and Serena Williams took on the dangerous Ana Ivanovic in the eagerly anticipated first match. It was a nervy performance for both players, but Serena won the points that mattered, breaking Ivanovic’s serve to win in straight sets.
Next up was Roland Garros finalist Simona Halep, taking on Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard. Simona was clinical from the get-go, capitalising on Eugenie’s loose errors as the Canadian struggled with her ground strokes. Simona won the encounter without much difficulty to avenge her loss to Bouchard in Wimbledon.
Day 2 will feature tennis’ golden girl Maria Sharapova against the fun-loving sunshine girl Caroline Wozniacki. Contrast of styles will also be on dislay when the hard hitting Petra Kvitova tries to overcome the sneaky Agnieszka Radwanska. Grab your tickets and be entertained by these electrifying ladies!
About the writerAs an avid tennis fan, Sean Long keeps up to date with the happenings of the world of tennis. He lives and breathes tennis and also plays the sport. Aside from tennis, Sean maintains his health by sweating it out at the gym and enjoys food and travel.
