From Immortal to Irrelevant

Australian Open, two in the morning. This is an hour reserved for matches and players normally unwatched. Thus, I am stunned to observe Serena Williams contesting her first round match at this irrelevant hour.

Four years ago, there was no star brighter than Williams. She won Wimbledon. She won the United States Open. She won the French Open and this Australian Open. She was a fashion magnate with primetime television potential. Together, her and sister Venus, dominated women’s tennis in as no pair ever had.

However, injuries and overconfidence concluded her domination. Pundits questioned her dedication. Players dominated her ailing game. From 1999-2003, Williams won six grand slam championships, including four straight. From 2004-2006, she has garnered only one.

Williams’ career may recover. She is only twenty-five years old. For now, she is playing at an hour when few are awake. She has us asking, has anyone become more irrelevant quicker?