This week’s Western and Southern Open and the Cincinnati Reds are in similar situations. Facing strolls down memory lane and a look into the future.

This year’s Western and Southern Open might be the last of Serena Williams’ playing career. Williams announced earlier this month that she’s “evolving away” from her playing career. This move is inevitable, she spent much of the last year recuperating from an injury. She’s a wife, a mother and a business owner. It’s incredible she has balanced parenthood, venture capitalism and playing professionally for several years. Williams has also been playing professionally since the late 1990’s. Some active pro players weren’t even alive, when Serena and Venus Williams began their pro careers.

As her playing career winds down, Serena’s peers are a part of her legacy. The Williams sisters have helped boost tennis’ prominence. Following in the footsteps of Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe. Through being legendary Black American tennis champions. Serena and Venus have helped inspire a diverse rising generation of American tennis players.

Some of these players are taking part in the W&S Open. Sloane Stephens, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys and Coco Gauff. Plus, Gauff’s occasional doubles partner and Cincinnati area native Catherine McNally. Along with Japan born and America raised Naomi Osaka among others. Women’s tennis is in a situation similar to men’s golf. There are phenomenal players, but no one dominates. In the way the Williams sisters have in tennis and Tiger Woods has in golf.

Tuesday’s results at the Western and Southern Open are an example of this. While Serena lost the headline match of that day. Gauff withdrew from her singles match due to an injury. While Osaka lost her match Tuesday to Shuai Zhang. The most dominant women’s singles player this year is Poland’s Iga Swiatek.

She lost to 2019 W&S Open champion Madison Keys on Thursday. Swiatek went on a 37-match winning streak earlier this year. Including her first grand slam title victory at the French Open. Despite that, it’s likely that few non-tennis fans have ever heard of her. Many people that don’t follow tennis much know who Serena Williams is.

Meanwhile, there is also a focus on the future at this year’s W&S Open. The tournament gives us an annual chance to see Tennis’ rising stars. Recent and future grand slam tournament winners. Including the players mentioned earlier in this article. The tournament will soon gain new management. After recently being bought by the billionaire owner of the Charleston Open Ben Navarro. This year’s tournament also featured an inaugural showcase of local college tennis players.

The Cincinnati Reds is also facing a look into the future this week. Due to Joey Votto facing season ending shoulder surgery to repair his rotator cuff. Votto’s frankly lackluster performances in recent weeks. Along with next year being the last of his ten-year contract with the Reds. Add in his turning 39 next month and already missing several games this season. The reality is setting in that Joey Votto’s career is winding down.

How much longer it goes primarily depends on Votto himself and his health. Along with the willingness the Reds and other teams have to giving him a deal to finish his career on his terms. Given the Reds’ willingness to part ways with multiple all-stars within the last year. I doubt the Reds would give Votto a lengthy extension. Now the Reds have to seriously consider their future without Votto at first base.

While Votto struggled after a batting resurgence last year. It’s been a while since Votto had a great year fielding-wise. It would be wise for the Reds to have Votto be their designated hitter next year. Meanwhile, the rest of this season will give the Reds a chance to examine their options for first base going forward. In a year where injuries and trades have turned the season into a long audition.

All three first basemen on the Reds depth chart going into Friday are injured. Mike Moustakas is out along with Tyler Stephenson and Votto. Leaving Donovan Solano, Matt Reynolds and Alejo Lopez as the most immediate alternative options. The Reds might also turn to their minor league options. With so many injured players to find substitutes for and September callups looming.

Ultimately, whenever Votto and Serena Williams’ playing careers end. Let’s just enjoy the time we have left to watch both playing. These are once-in-a-generation athletes building up impressive legacies. Votto reached various career milestones in the last two years. Including his record for playing more Major League Baseball games than any Canadian-born player. Surpassing the previous record holder Larry Walker last Sunday. Spending his entire career so far with the Reds; Votto is nine games away from his 2,000th MLB game.

Serena Williams has 23 grand slam titles going into the U.S. Open. More than any women in tennis’ open era. More than Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer respectively. That’s a solid legacy on the tennis court. Adding to her trailblazing legacy off of the court.