Denis Shapovalov is pissed off. He just lost the quarterfinals at the Australian Open against Rafael Nadal in five sets. This anger has to come out. First he dismantles his racket on the pitch, a little later in the press conference he verbally lashes out: “All players should be the same on the pitch!”
He is right. And to some extent they are really all the same – but only in part.
The Tour and the Grand Slam tournaments are a reflection of society. Just faster and more intense. A concentrate of the world as it works. Those who have much in abundance – money, fame and success – are overwhelmed with much they do not need. The CEO who makes millions has a huge expense account. Players like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic receive entry fees at tournaments like Basel that are higher than the winning bonus.
There are opportunities ahead of the tournament
When the point goes off, everyone is equal. For as long as Hawkeye has existed, more than ever. But before we get started, there are definitely ways to shift the odds of winning to one side or the other.
The most obvious measure to manipulate is the seeding list. In the past, 16 of 128 players were seeded at the Grand Slams – today there are 32. How nice it is to be seeded and to know that I can’t possibly get a Djokovic in the first round! The draw is therefore only partially what the word promises.
Favorable training pitches and playing times
It continues with the distribution of the training places. The stars can book the so-called show courts on which they will play their games. Your opponents share any outdoor seats – often in fours. Comfortable. And finally there is also the scheduling of the matches. No, it was no coincidence that Federer rarely had to play in the Melbourne daytime heat.
Elite sport is fundamentally not social. And yet something of the fairest there is. Because if I’m better than my opponent that day, I’ll win. There are no possibilities for interpretation, no rope teams.
Although Nadal may have a slight advantage in preparation, this Friday the ball will land in Australia exactly where physics adamantly predicts. A tennis ball knows no favorites.
