Plans are being finalised which may enable the Williams sisters, arguably the highest profile tennis players in the history of the game, to compete more often. The Roadmap 2009, far reaching reforms by the Women's Tennis Association of its vast and demanding tour, is currently undergoing last moment fine-tuning which may reduce the physical load on frequently injured players.
The debate surrounding the issue gained fresh impetus this week with questions raised by some people about the true status of Jelena Jankovic, whose consistency and physical durability has helped make her the first Serbian to finish year-end world number one.
One of them is Serena Williams, the former holder of all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously, who briefly returned to the top spot herself after regaining the US Open title in September. Asked if Jankovic is actually the player of the year - as opposed to being ranked number one - Serena said: "Well, that's a good question. I don't know if you go by Slams or by tournaments won. I think both of them have to be factored in.
"Ana (Ivanovic) got finals and won a Slam as well - as I did. I think she won a few tournaments. I don't know, it also goes a little bit on consistency," she added, giving credit to Jankovic, who has only twice failed to reach a quarter-final in any tournament this year but never won a major.
"I've been pretty consistent this year, so I don't know. I just know I'm excited to be playing and competing," Serena added, an oblique reference to the injury and fitness problems which have dogged her for a long time. Serena was asked if she might really be the player of the season, especially considering that she is many people's bet to win this week's Sony Ericsson championships, the WTA Tour ending event which finishes on Sunday.
"Yeah, I might be," she agreed. "But like I said, I'm excited to be doing well in general and competing." What is enhancing her excitement is the Roadmap, which should offer a better chance of proving her true worth in the coming months.
It seeks to reduce the physical commitment of the hardest worked players, to create a more logical tour itinerary, and to use these two improvements to engage a more reliable player commitment. This should ensure tournaments and sponsors are less at risk of last moment withdrawals and let-downs.
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