Condemned Captures Championship

This was the match. Three years earlier, their roles were reversed. Serena Williams was the world’s number one. Maria Sharapova was the unimaginable finalist. On Wimbledon’s hallowed grass, Sharapova destroyed Williams. She overwhelmed and overpowered Williams I an upset which altered both careers.

This year, Sharapova was cast as dominant. While unequal to Williams’ myth, she had succeeded Kim Clijsters, Martina Hingis, and the Russian contingent. Williams could not win. Her knee had taken a year. She was injured, inconsistent, and irrelevant. Even I was pronouncing her demise.

On Friday, Williams won the Australian Open. She exceeded winning. She blistered Sharapova, allowing her only three game victories. She showcased her athleticism and strength. She reminded why she was an impending legend. Her ninth grand slam championship may not be her greatest. However, this championship was her most improbable.

While one should cheer Williams, this is not three seasons ago. Sharapova is not merely a happy finalist. She deserves the same court and headlines as Williams. Serena will never be as she was. She may not even have returned. This victory could be an aberration. One final flash of the brilliance which was her hallmark.

Her future status is unknown. She is not irrelevant. She is not immortal. We may not know William’s ultimate standing until this summer. With that stated, everyone, including myself, can recite her current standing… Australian Open champion.