Change is good. I have particular interest in the last four implementations. If more emphasis is placed on the best 16, what happens in the other tiers? Because we all know a 160th ranked person can beat a top ten or any higher ranked player on any given day.

I like the idea of revenue sharing. The top 100 at minimum should be eligible.

China--I figured that was coming after I read they invested $40 Billion into the Olympics.

Stronger Penalties---monetarily, I don't know if this will hurt the more elite players, but if x-amount of points were taken away, I think they'd twice about skipping out on events, if the reasons aren't urgently or health related.

I am wondering if we will notice the changes.
Blogpassion | 09.05.08 - 9:20 am | #

i think we will Blogpassion when some of this "wonderful" newness affects one of these ladies who doesn't think that it's so wonderful !

I like the Revenue Sharing aspect too, however I think that they offset it with the Stronger Penalties - smooth.

I'm especially keen on seeing how this works with the Williams sisters:

"- 4 Premier, mandatory, $4.5 million equal prize money combined events anchoring calendar in Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid and Beijing"

I don't think that they will be moved at all to return to Indian Wells, even with the threat of suspension. And they shouldn't, not so long as they feel as strongly about it as they do.
Shelia | Homepage | 09.05.08 - 10:17 am | #

Maybe by 09 they will have a sit down with the powers that be over at Indian Wells, and make amends...who knows. I would like to see a better showcase of newly ranked players and perhaps matching making deals between sponsors and new pro players who are talented, but struggling on the $$$ side.
Blogpassion | 09.05.08 - 10:26 am | #

I am curioous to see how the Indian Wells thing goes down with the Williams sisters.
Mike | Homepage | 09.05.08 - 12:53 pm | #

Hey Mike, I hope that they sit on their generous multi-millionaire booties and eat ice cream while Indian Wells is being played!
Shelia | Homepage | 09.05.08 - 4:53 pm | #

Hey all. Yeah, that Indian Wells thing is a big deal: Honestly, if they feel that uncomfortable about going there, they shouldn't have to.

But you know what? I think these are WAY too many changes to implement for the year and I don't think they're all going to go so smoothly. We'll see, I guess. (Sorry to sound like such a pessimist!)
Van | Homepage | 09.05.08 - 5:50 pm | #

That's what I say Van. I doubt that they are going to knuckle under because of a threat of suspension.

And on the amount of changes, I don't think that you're being pessimistic, it is a lot of changes. Now, some of them go hand in hand and are really not that big per se. But proper administration of these is going to be key to not having a mishap filled 2009 season.
Shelia | Homepage | 09.07.08 - 12:27 am | #

Ok can somebody fill me in on Indian Wells? I have always been curious as to why they do no attend but....
FyreStarrter | 09.08.08 - 12:27 am | #

Hi FS,

The story is much deeper than I'm about to share, but for the sake of time suffice it to say that between booing and racial epithets thrown at the the sisters and their family, they did not feel very welcome in Indian Wells and decided not to return.
Shelia | Homepage | 09.08.08 - 8:52 pm | #