Women's tennis is open and exciting: Mary Pierce

The unpredictability in modern day women's tennis is not bad, says two-time Grand Slam singles champion Mary Pierce, who also misses the 'serve and volley' style and rivalries of the old time.

Pierce had won the Australian Open (1995) and her home major French Open (2000), apart from two doubles Grand Slams in a successful career, in which she touched the world number three rank in 1995.

The men's tennis is literally owned by the 'Big 3' when it comes to winning the majors but different champions are emerging in the women's game.

Japan's Naomi Osaka won the 2018 US Open and 2019 Australian Open but struggled to repeat her performance at majors after that.

It was Sofia Kenin who took home the 2020 Australian Open trophy.

The 45-year-old Mary said the game had evolved a lot since her playing days.

"It's very different today. There were rivalries, there was depth. Every top-10 player wanted to be number one. Now it's so open. You go to a tournament and you don't know who is going to win Grand Slam because the player who wins a Grand Slam does not dominate the rest of the year.

"So, it leaves it very open and it's exciting. I don't think it's bad. It keeps everyone hanging on. It' interesting to see different players coming up every time," said Mary, talking to a select group of journalists.

However, she does miss certain aspects of the old times.

"There were a lot more one-handed backhands and serve and volley. Today there is a lot of power from the baseline, personally I miss serve and volley, I miss the players coming on to the net very often."
"What's important is to have the right people around you, to stay humble and grounded. Like in Nadal family, when Rafa comes back home, he does the dishes, like everybody else in the family. That's important."
"(Performing better on big stage) That comes from experience. There have to be right facilities, access to competition and good coaches. Nothing takes place of experience. A lot of hard work, sacrifice, discipline, eating well, sleeping well is required. More you play, more you can analyse the situation better."