Women’s tennis - a more level playing field than men now?

Kolkata: Who were the women’s singles grand slam winners in 2020? Sofia Kenin (Australian Open), Naomi Osaka (US Open) and Iga Swiatek (French Open).

Three different winners in as many slams, with Wimbledon being cancelled for the COVID-19 pandemic last year. Add to that the fact the WTA circuit has seen only one repeat winner in 13 tournaments this year - does it reflect a greater depth in the women’s game than men?

Russian Daria Kasatkina, who bagged the Phillip Island Trophy in Melbourne last month, became the first two-time winner on the Tour this year on Sunday after the 23-year-old’s triumph in the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy final.

“I feel like the level of women’s tennis has really risen,” world No.2 Naomi Osaka told reporters on Tuesday at the Miami Open. “Everyone is really strong. Everyone has the capability of winning matches.

“Outside people might say it’s really random and whatever. But I think just everyone is so strong, so everyone has a chance to win,” said Naomi Osaka, who became the first tennis player since Monica Seles and Roger Federer to win all her first Major finals when he won the Australian Open this year.

While Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic have dominated the men’s game, women’s tennis has been searching for a successor to Serena Williams since the 23-times major winner became a mother in 2017.

World number two Osaka, who has won four of the last six Grand Slams held on hardcourts, was not surprised there had been so many different winners in 2021.

Two-time major winner Simona Halep said the COVID-19 pandemic had made it difficult for the top athletes to perform at their best, contributing to a more level playing field, while world No.1 Ash Barty said the depth of talent was testament to how hard players were working.

“It makes for a really healthy competition knowing every single match you have to be near your best level to compete,” Barty added. “That brings out the best in everyone. It’s pushing everyone to continue to drive to be better.”

Victoria Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open winner, said there were no easy matches any more, not even in the early stages of tournaments.

“It’s very visible because right from the first matches on, you have to be 100% ready,” the Belarusian said.

“There are a lot of girls who are able to produce such a high level of tennis. I think sometimes for some young players it’s a bit more difficult to have the consistency. But on any given day you know it can be dangerous, and the level is going to be high.”