10 things to watch on the 2011 WTA Tour
As 2011 gets underway, there are many questions surrounding women’s tennis. This season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. We will examine 10 things to watch on the WTA tour:
Will Serena Williams return?
Undeniably the most dominant player in recent years, Williams left the game last summer after suffering a cut on her foot. This has required 2 surgeries so far, and she has not given a date of her return. Williams has withdraw from the first month’s events, including the Australian Open, where she is the defending champion. For either Williams sister to miss a grand slam is unusual, and this is Serena’s second consecutive slam withdrawal.
When Serena is able to return to the courts, how much will her competition have caught up to her? Her intimidating presence will give her an edge over many foes, but those at the top will look for the rust in her play. Still, if anyone can come back, Serena certainly has the skill and determination to return to the upper echelon.
Will Justine Henin return?
Justine Henin made a huge splash last year when she came out of retirement and
went all the way to the finals of the Australian Open. Unfortunately, her comeback was spoiled in the summer with an elbow injury. Her results had been good enough for her to be named the WTA Comeback Player of the Year, but her main goal, a Wimbledon trophy, eluded her. At age 29, Henin’s purpose for playing is to complete the Grand Slam by winning at Wimbledon. It will be an uphill battle for her, especially if Serena Williams comes back.
How long will Kim Clijsters stay on top?
Despite not being the No. 1 ranked player on tour, Clijsters is possibly the most fear among active players. The winner of 5 tournaments last year, including the US Open and the WTA Championships, Clijsters has been consistently at the top of the standings. Since her comeback from retirement in late 2009, she has shown focus, ability, and a relaxed demeanor that has made her more feared than ever. With the off-court pressures of motherhood, the question remains how long she will be able to retain that focus.
Can Caroline Wozniacki win the big one?
The WTA’s number 1 ranked player, Caroline Wozniacki, has yet to appear in a grand slam final. Though she won more events than anyone on tour last season, many question her ability to win against the top players at the top events. Wozniacki needs to add some power and play a more attacking game if she is going to quiet the critics. She showed during the US Open Series that she has the shot-making abilities to win, now she needs to show her skills at the right times.
Has Vera Zvonareva overcome herself?
For years Vera Zvonareva had the reputation of breaking down mentally in key moments. In 2010, she took giants strides to overcome her emotions and her results skyrocketed, taking her all the way to number 2 in the World. Zvonareva was in the finals at both Wimbledon and the US Open, along with 4 other events. If she can continue to improve mentally, her physical skills are good enough to make her a threat at any tournament.
Will Ana Ivanovic regain her confidence?
The former world number 1 player who was on top of the tennis mountain after winning the 2008 French Open, is poised to return to prominence in 2011. Ivanovic, after dropping out of the top 50, finished 2010 strong, winning 2 of her last 3 events. Ivanovic climbed back into the top-20 and is looking for more. During her slide, Ivanovic displayed doubts about her own play and lost her aggressiveness. If Ivanovic can regain her confidence and play with the power style that took her to the top, she can return.
What about Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams?
Both of these players made an impact last season, each winning 2 tournaments early. After March, the best either could do was get to the finals, and not at a slam. At 30 years old, Williams is on the downside of her career. However, she has avoided much of the tour grind over the years by skipping some of the lesser, and not so lesser, events. Williams can still play with the best and could be especially dangerous on the grass courts of Wimbledon.
Sharapova showed renewed life after coming back from shoulder surgery and, at times, looked to have the form that made her a multiple grand slam champion. She did not, however, display the consistency needed to compete week after week with the current group of top players. With her pending marriage, will she have the focus needed to return to the top?
Can Victoria Azarenka find consistency?
With as powerful a game as anyone, will Victoria Azarenka find the consistency to win championships? With 3 titles in 2010, Azarenka is looking for the big events. She has showed flashes of brilliance at times, only to crumble on the big stage. Azarenka has the power, accuracy, and speed to compete with anyone. If she can focus enough, she could have grand slam titles in her future.
Does Jelena Jankovic care?
Perhaps enjoying the lifestyle more than anyone, Jelena Jankovic played just well enough in 2010 to stay in the top-10, winning one premier-level event (Indian Wells). Jankovic seemed to lose some of her focus in 2010, and with it, her consistency. It is her ability to be consistent and keep balls in play that has kept her in the upper echelon. She will need to re-focus and play stronger if she is going to stay in the limelight.
Who will rise for the U.S.?
With the Williams sisters approaching the end of their careers, will any American women step-up to challenge the field? Melanie Oudin captured the hearts and imagination of the nation at the 2009 US Open, but did not follow through with the breakout year everyone wanted. The highest ranking American woman not named Williams is Bethanie Mattek-Sands at number 59. Sands improved throughout 2010, but was never in contention for a title. Oudin falls behind Sands at number 65. These players will be under increasing pressure unless someone else jumps to the forefront. Unfortunately, no one has yet to shine.
