First, Jelena Dokic had a spectacular run at the Australian Open. She's had a slump since then, but there is still reason to believe she will make a difference this year.
We learned that Maria Sharapova does not know when she can return to the tour, and we saw Jelena Jankovic enter the season with an awkward, bulked-up body, a lost expression on her face, and a game that is devoid of JJ brilliance. Amelie Mauresmo, written off for good by many, won the championship in Paris.
Vera Zvonareva has finally won a big tournament, Larry Scott has resigned, and Kim Clijsters is about to announce her own return to the tour, at least part-time.
That's a lot of news, and it's only March!
Back in the day, Dokic and Clijsters were two of the players I most enjoyed watching, and it feels strange (in a good way) that they will both play this year. I have reservations about Clijsters' health, but time will tell whether she can sustain tour play. Meanwhile, I miss Sharapova, and--for all practical purposes--I miss Jankovic, too.
There is a lot of unpredictability on the tour right now. Dinara Safina has lost her way, Victoria Azarenka is slowly finding her way, and a Williams sister has already won one of the four majors. The French Open will be upon us before we know it, and there are a few women who could take it. Berlin is now Warsaw, so to speak, and the clay court season (my favorite) has almost arrived. Players who should shine on clay courts are Serena Williams, Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Dinara Safina, Vera Zvonareva, Amelie Mauresmo, Flavia Pennetta, Elena Dementieva, and Alize Cornet. But will they?
I can't even imagine what the next big news is, but this already has the feel of being a very odd season.
3 comments:
in my dreams, momo will win RG this year and kim and justin both come back from retirement.
Dani
A clear Nr.1 would be good for the sport. It would contrast with Nr.2 and below taking turns gasping for the thinner air at that elevation. What is that apparent thinner air all about?
Thanks for the effort Diane.
Rob
Dani--those are some dreams!
Rob, I like the gasping for air metaphor. I don't know if we'll have a clear number 1. It doesn't bother me if we don't, but I certainly understand why having one would put some order into things. No one seems to be able to stay in that top spot, though. Perhaps if Serena stays healthy and gets on a roll...
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