People would pay to watch Serena Williams, Sharapova, not Osaka - Pennetta
Flavia Pennetta believes that Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova are still more popular than Naomi Osaka despite the American and the Russian didn't get Grand Slam titles in the last couple of years. Speaking on Eurosport, Pennetta said: 'Women's tennis is about who sells more, with all these players coming up who win and lose - for example the French Open winner. Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova... In Asia Osaka is an idol, she has to wear a wig there otherwise she gets surrounded by people. She is calm, and you do not know if she has a poker face. But today if you want to buy a ticket, you go watching Serena Williams or Sharapova.'
On the Australian Open men's singles final, Pennetta added: '(Novak) Djokovic totally dictated, he was a master in everything. He was perfect, he may have played just two or three points better. (Rafael) Nadal may have had just one break point but Djokovic was precise, comfortable, was hitting hard on the lines. The way he served was ridiculous, he won more 80% second serve points. It was a day kissed by God.'
Pennetta also praised Nadal's fighting spirit: 'Rafa fought until the last point. He tried some different things but Djokovic was a wall, the court seemed very little for him, there was no room. Djokovic won 12 of the first 13 points.'
Pennetta finally spoke about Andy Murray: 'He underwent hip surgery in order to have a better quality life. He is 31 years old, and not being able to walk with your son is the worst thing. His goal is to feel pain-free, then if he manages to play it's an extra boost.'
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2BsZGDr
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