It really has to suck being Agnieszka Radwanska now.

[Amelie Mauresmo]

I can see what people are saying about Agnieszka Radwanska she`s obviously a very good tennis player and she`s consistent. However, despite having a top 4 ranking Radwanska has such a poor record against the power players at the top. 0-8 against Serena Williams, 1-5 against Petra Kvitova, 3-12 against Victoria Azarenka, 2-7 against Maria Sharapova.

Agnieszka is making a lot of money playing tennis, but I am sure she wants to win a grand slam singles title.

But now I am beginning to wonder if Aga is ever going to win a major.

I just don`t understand why Radwanska doesn`t improve her second serve it is so weak and attackable.

Blowing this Wimbledon`s semifinals was really tough for Agnieszka Radwanska, she was so close to winning a grand slam.

And now, I wonder if Radwanska can make the adjustments to improve, she`s got to do something or else she is never going to win a grand slam.

 

[6-1 6-3 6-0]

I see you've changed the way you type your apostrophes.

 

[oest10]

They sure are odd apostrophes!

Agnieszka is much like Wozniacki was/is. Both are at the very top because of consistency, not because of them blowing away opposition. I believe that that is what you need in a GS. There are hardly any GS winners that don't have an imposing game.

Even more so, in a draw of 128 there's always going to be a few "lights-out" playing adversaries. Williams just hit through those, which is something I don't think she ever will do. Those H2H's say it all. She'll have to beat 2/3 of those players in one tourney to win a GS. I don't see it happening.

 

[Crose]

I don't really watch the WTA, but from what I've read in this thread, she sounds like the WTA equivalent of Ferrer. Is that a close comparison?

 

[Tcbtennis]

I don't really watch the WTA, but from what I've read in this thread, she sounds like the WTA equivalent of Ferrer. Is that a close comparison?

I think that comparison is fair. They are both solid competitors and will beat the players who are ranked below them but neither has the firepower to challenge the top players. And both have abysmal records against those ranked ahead of them.

 

[tennisenthusiast]

I think that comparison is fair. They are both solid competitors and will beat the players who are ranked below them but neither has the firepower to challenge the top players. And both have abysmal records against those ranked ahead of them.

Maybe they are happy with their abilities. For example, look at Ana Ivanovic's ball toss. I mean it is so conspicuous and no one has pointed that out to her or she does not realize it? I mean how much of a big deal is it to improve your ball toss even if it involves retraining your muscles??

 

[sundaypunch]

I can see what people are saying about Agnieszka Radwanska she`s obviously a very good tennis player and she`s consistent. However, despite having a top 4 ranking Radwanska has such a poor record against the power players at the top. 0-8 against Serena Williams, 1-5 against Petra Kvitova, 3-12 against Victoria Azarenka, 2-7 against Maria Sharapova.

Agnieszka is making a lot of money playing tennis, but I am sure she wants to win a grand slam singles title.

But now I am beginning to wonder if Aga is ever going to win a major.

I just don`t understand why Radwanska doesn`t improve her second serve it is so weak and attackable.

Blowing this Wimbledon`s semifinals was really tough for Agnieszka Radwanska, she was so close to winning a grand slam.

And now, I wonder if Radwanska can make the adjustments to improve, she`s got to do something or else she is never going to win a grand slam.

Maybe you should mention that to her, she probably hasn't thought of it. Just tell her to hit harder.

 

[Maui19]

Let's get back on track here and finish talking about those apostrophes.

 

[romeo8880]

When you mention to Radwanska about hitting the ball harder make sure you pass the message along to Kvitova that she doesn't have to go for the lines on every shot she hits. It's ok to take a little off it.

 

[Wim]

Have you ever seen her live on court? I saw her in Centrecourt this year. She is tiny. Slender build. Tapings everywhere. I am impressed she has come so far! She is a smart woman on court.

 

[cjs]

I don't really watch the WTA, but from what I've read in this thread, she sounds like the WTA equivalent of Ferrer. Is that a close comparison?

Absolutely not.

Ferrer is workhorse grinder with little to no variation in his play.

Aga has court craft, touch and variation. I see aspects of Hingis's style of play in her.

 

[Midaso240]

She has to take a leaf out of Henin's book and add more power to her game,she's never going to compete with the big girls otherwise

 

[Ronaldo]

Aga needs to grunt. During the off-season train with Errani and Schiavone. Radwanska, no, Radwailska, yes

 

[Brian11785]

Absolutely not.

Ferrer is workhorse grinder with little to no variation in his play.

Aga has court craft, touch and variation. I see aspects of Hingis's style of play in her.

I think the Ferrer comparisons are valid (she wins a lot of matches, not through craftiness but though consistency/letting her opponent self-destruct.)

But yours is a valid difference between the two.

I would say that Santoro might be her closest ATP equivalent. Great anticipation. Crafty. Killer drop shot.

The Hingis comparison is a good one as well. (Aga is one of my current favorite players, and Hingis is probably my all-time favorite.)
Though I think Hingis for sure had better:
- strokes off both wings
- volleys (though Radwanska's are exceptional on current WTA standards.)

Whereas Radwanska is a mental giant, Hingis was prone to lulls on that front.

Their service production is eerily similar. They'd get their fair share of aces from good placement, but second serves that would get often demolished.

Give Radwanska prime-Hingis's backhand and forehand, and she is the best non-Serena player in the world.

 

[romeo8880]

Brian has no clue who Petra Kvitova is.

 

[Brian11785]

Brian has no clue who Petra Kvitova is.

Please stop with that needless refrain. I like Petra, but once the indoor season is over, she will be back to losing in the 3rd round of Slams again.

Also, even if you don't accept my premise of how good a Radwanska with better strokes would be, Petra is hardly the second best player in the world. Regardless of what you think or of her struggles the past month or so (which might be injury related), Vika has proven herself over the past two years to be the most consistent, solid player outside of Serena.....by a mile.

 

[Amelie Mauresmo]

I REALLY want Agnieszka to win a grand slams she was so close at Wimbledon this year against Lisicki, only two points away from serving for the match.

I feel people here are right, Aga needs to make some adjustments to her game if she wants to win a major.

Being consistent and crafty isn't good enough anymore. Aga needs some power to her game.

 

[romeo8880]

Brian, everybody already knows u have a thing for players with no power in their shots.

 

[Brian11785]

Brian, everybody already knows u have a thing for players with no power in their shots.

And you have something for those but nothing but power in thier shots.

I just called Serena and Vika the best players in the world. Both of them have plenty of power.

 

[Soianka]

I REALLY want Agnieszka to win a grand slams she was so close at Wimbledon this year against Lisicki, only two points away from serving for the match.

I feel people here are right, Aga needs to make some adjustments to her game if she wants to win a major.

Being consistent and crafty isn't good enough anymore. Aga needs some power to her game.

if she never wins a slam, this year's Wimbledon will probably go on to give her nightmares. She was the clear favorite when everyone else of note lost pretty early.

Still I am thrilled that Marion was able to win one before retirement

 

[rufus_smith]

Pretty sure Aga has been playing 70% with an injured right shoulder.

 

[Mainad]

I wonder what would have happened if Radwanska had got through to the final of this year's Wimbledon as she was expected to do after all the higher seeded players went out? Last year, she managed to take a set off Serena in the final when no-one was giving her any chance at all. It would have been a second Wimbledon final for both her and Bartoli so neither would have had to face first-time finalist nerves like Sabine Lisicki did! It would have been a duel between two previous finalists both looking for their first Wimbledon and first Slam title.

Who would have prevailed? The higher-seeded Pole, the more recently experienced 2012 finalist who already had a winning H2H against her opponent or the veteran, determined Frenchwoman who realised that this was probably going to be her last chance and who had not dropped so much as a set all the way through to the final?

Discuss.

 

[Brian11785]

I wonder what would have happened if Radwanska had got through to the final of this year's Wimbledon as she was expected to do after all the higher seeded players went out? Last year, she managed to take a set off Serena in the final when no-one was giving her any chance at all. It would have been a second Wimbledon final for both her and Bartoli so neither would have had to face first-time finalist nerves like Sabine Lisicki did! It would have been a duel between two previous finalists both looking for their first Wimbledon and first Slam title.

Who would have prevailed? The higher-seeded Pole, the more recently experienced 2012 finalist who already had a winning H2H against her opponent or the veteran, determined Frenchwoman who realised that this was probably going to be her last chance and who had not dropped so much as a set all the way through to the final?

Discuss.

Good question. I have wondered it myself. Obviously Radwanksa had the head to head on her side (isn't it like 7-0 vs Bartoli?), but Bartoli seemed to be a different player the last couple matches of that tournament. She seemed capable at net and was not going for too much. She was smacking some backhands, but they had margin. She basically beat Lisicki by outsteadying her (impressive, but not difficult considering the nerves Lisicki had that afternoon.)

I think to most people, it was a foregone conclusion that Radwanska was going to win. But I am not so sure. Though I'd still give the probability to Radwanksa 60/40, based on the fact that she is mentally strong and can absorb pace.

 

[Rock Strongo]

Let's get back on track here and finish talking about those apostrophes.

Most Swedes do this. But since this guy is American or somewhere around there, it's a bit weird...

 

[Dedans Penthouse]

It really has to suck being Agnieszka Radwanska now :-O

....

Blowing this Wimbledon`s semifinals was really tough for Agnieszka Radwanska, she was so close to winning a grand slam.

"It really has to suck? (thread title) ...... blowing this Wimbledon?...."

Talk about not-so-subtle Freudian slips there my drooling little Queen de la Fellate!

:shock:

 

[Dedans Penthouse]

I totally agree with many others here: Agagizkezsa Ragawsanszka'z 2nd serve really sucks.

She also kinda reminds me of a hungover-looking Eddie van Halen.

 

[Ronaldo]

I totally agree with many others here: Agagizkezsa Ragawsanszka'z 2nd serve really sucks.

She also kinda reminds me of a hungover-looking Eddie van Halen.

Send her that pic, that would really suck.

 

[neesun]

Aggie's my countrywomen but this is a power game and she has no power in her shots to make consistant winners. She relys a lot on the mistake of her opponents to win. She needs to hit the gym.

 

[Spin Doctor]

Please stop comparing Radwanska to Hingis. Sacrilege! Radwanska has fugly technique and is only an average mover (she looks better than she is because the other women move like koala bears).

 

[bullfan]

Please stop comparing Radwanska to Hingis. Sacrilege! Radwanska has fugly technique and is only an average mover (she looks better than she is because the other women move like koala bears).

I disagree. Radwanska is a very smart tennis player. She's above average due to her smarts, and sadly can't get further due to her lack of power.

 

[Spin Doctor]

I disagree. Radwanska is a very smart tennis player. She's above average due to her smarts, and sadly can't get further due to her lack of power.

Where did I say she wasn't smart? If you're going to say "I disagree" then you need to rebut my points, not go off on some other tangent.

I said her strokes are ugly and her movement is average. This is in stark contract to Hingis who has technically perfect strokes and has fantastic movement.

 

[Brian11785]

Where did I say she wasn't smart? If you're going to say "I disagree" then you need to rebut my points, not go off on some other tangent.

I said her strokes are ugly and her movement is average. This is in stark contract to Hingis who has technically perfect strokes and has fantastic movement.

Both have dreadful second serves, better-than-their-contempraries volleys and court sense, great drop shots and were subject to being hit off the court my a more powerful opponent (regardless of how "pefect" Hingis's strokes are.)

It isn't a perfect comparison, but it is a valid one.

 

[mistik]

Tennıs world probably not seen a more talented player than Hingis. Aga is no Hingis.

 

[Chico]

I think that comparison is fair. They are both solid competitors and will beat the players who are ranked below them but neither has the firepower to challenge the top players. And both have abysmal records against those ranked ahead of them.

Radwanska is Murray of WTA.

Closest comparisons of current ATP and WTA players from top 10:
Serena = Federer
Azarenka = Djokovic
Sharapova = Nadal
Radwanska = Murray
Kvitova = Berdych
JJ = Ferrer
Li Na = Delpo

 

[tennisbuck]

I see you've changed the way you type your apostrophes.

haha I like you a lot better when you aren't talking about your man Nadal

 

[Mainad]

I think that comparison is fair. They are both solid competitors and will beat the players who are ranked below them but neither has the firepower to challenge the top players. And both have abysmal records against those ranked ahead of them.

Radwanska is Murray of WTA.

Murray has won 2 Grand Slams and has a generally excellent record against those ranked above him.

So how is Radwanska the Murray of the WTA?

 

[oest10]

Yea Murray is physically outstanding. Cracks 140mph serves if needed and the forehand is getting bigger and bigger. I don't see the Radwanska comparison either Only thing would be that they are both very crafty on court.

 

[Chico]

Yea Murray is physically outstanding. Cracks 140mph serves if needed and the forehand is getting bigger and bigger. I don't see the Radwanska comparison either Only thing would be that they are both very crafty on court.

This. And she is just a little bit below top 3 (like Murray in previous years). And they both seem to do good on Wimbledon, ... Didn't mean to put down Murray. Who else would you pick from top women for Murray? You could argue that comparing Djokovic to Azarenka is similarly bad for Djokovic. And I don't even like Azarenka.

 

[oest10]

This. And she is just a little bit below top 3 (like Murray in previous years). And they both seem to do good on Wimbledon, ... Didn't mean to put down Murray. Who else would you pick from top women for Murray? You could argue that comparing Djokovic to Azarenka is similarly bad for Djokovic. And I don't even like Azarenka.

I would say Radwanska is more like Seppi/Simon/Granollers?

Murray.. Maybe a bit of Sloane Stephens? Capable of big hitting but frequently decides to play more defensive.. Good physique, good serve..

 

[Chico]

I would say Radwanska is more like Seppi/Simon/Granollers?

Murray.. Maybe a bit of Sloane Stephens? Capable of big hitting but frequently decides to play more defensive.. Good physique, good serve..

I don't think those are fair comparisons. Radwanska and Murray were ranked #3-#4 most of the time in the last couple of years, while Seppi/Simon/Granollers/Stephens were never top 10 (except Simon for a short period of time several years ago).

I was trying to match ATP and WTA players with similar rankings.

Anyway Radwanska >>>>>>> Stephens so I think I gave Murray much better props than you

 

[oest10]

I don't think those are fair comparisons. Radwanska and Murray were ranked #3-#4 most of the time in the last couple of years, while Seppi/Simon/Granollers/Stephens were never top 10 (except Simon for a short period of time several years ago).

I was trying to match ATP and WTA players with similar rankings.

Anyway Radwanska >>>>>>> Stephens so I think I gave Murray much better props than you

Thats fine but if thats the case (you matching ranking wise) we're not in the same conversation

Im simply matching playing styles regardless of ranking since I dont believe you can actually compare that for men and women. The women's game is a lot different seeing that Jankovic and Wozniacki etc.etc. can get to where they have gotten. Without good offensive play its still very possible to reach the top 10 on the WTA tour. Men's tour? Not so much.

That, by the way, is not meant as an insult to womens tennis but the physical differences quite simply allow them to get to more balls

 

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

Tennıs world probably not seen a more talented player than Hingis. Aga is no Hingis.

She was average, and nowhere near a complete creative package as the early hype used to sell.

 

[iri10]

Murray.. Maybe a bit of Sloane Stephens? Capable of big hitting but frequently decides to play more defensive.. Good physique, good serve..

Monfils is a better counterpart for Stephens, IMO. Fast and athletic and capable of power hitting, but more comfortable playing defensive, and not the best mentality for winning on the biggest stages.

 

[oest10]

Monfils is a better counterpart for Stephens, IMO. Fast and athletic and capable of power hitting, but more comfortable playing defensive, and not the best mentality for winning on the biggest stages.

I think thats a good comparison but i was looking from murrays perspective not looking to find a "stephens" haha

 

[iri10]

The 1 to 1 comparison is difficult because the WTA top four doesn't compete with each other like Fed/Nad/Djo/Murray have done.

The four men are all multi-slam winners, and have been competitive (to greater or lesser degrees) with each other. The WTA has a 4th best player in Radwanska who can't compete with the top three (but can usually beat everyone else), a 3rd place player who can compete with no. 2 but not no. 1, and a 2nd place player who can compete with no. 1.

Overall, I'd say that for her career Serena is more like Fed, but in these last two years is more like Nadal. Azarenka is definitely the Djokovic, and actually I think Sharapova is the closest to Murray (in results, if not game plan). So I guess Fed is the odd one out for me; there aren't yet any direct analogues to his graceful age-based decline in the WTA top 4.

Edit: Oh, and Radwanska = Ferrer.

 

[Wim]

I disagree. Radwanska is a very smart tennis player. She's above average due to her smarts, and sadly can't get further due to her lack of power.

Couldn't agree more. She is a very smart woman.

 

[Amelie Mauresmo]

Aga needs some changes in her game more AGGRESSION. The second serve needs to improve as everyone says. Aga is smart she's very talented, but I finally have to agree with the other posters. How the hell is Aga going to win a slam if she CANNOT improve?

Aga needs more firepower in her game, she cannot just be consistent, it isn't enough against the very top players. The best players have the power and the consistency.

 

[PeteD]

Give her a break . .. .

I totally agree with many others here: Agagizkezsa Ragawsanszka'z 2nd serve really sucks.

She also kinda reminds me of a hungover-looking Eddie van Halen.

 

[Amelie Mauresmo]

The 1 to 1 comparison is difficult because the WTA top four doesn't compete with each other like Fed/Nad/Djo/Murray have done.

The four men are all multi-slam winners, and have been competitive (to greater or lesser degrees) with each other. The WTA has a 4th best player in Radwanska who can't compete with the top three (but can usually beat everyone else), a 3rd place player who can compete with no. 2 but not no. 1, and a 2nd place player who can compete with no. 1.

Overall, I'd say that for her career Serena is more like Fed, but in these last two years is more like Nadal. Azarenka is definitely the Djokovic, and actually I think Sharapova is the closest to Murray (in results, if not game plan). So I guess Fed is the odd one out for me; there aren't yet any direct analogues to his graceful age-based decline in the WTA top 4.

Edit: Oh, and Radwanska = Ferrer.

Yes this is true, but Li Na is going to pass Radwanska in the rankings and I believe she deserves it.

I like Radwanska but I FINALLY agree with her critics, she's consistent, plays a lot to boost her WTA ranking. However, Radwanska, isn't doing well in the big WTA events this year. Radwanska really messed up at Wimbledon she kind of choked against Lisicki she had a 3-0 lead in the final set and was two points away from the Wimbledon final.

Radwanska hasn't been the same since losing the Wimbledon semifinal, I think she over looked Lisicki and bought into the media hype. Aga needs to comeback strong next year or she's going down the rankings I feel.

Radwanska also needs to add more AGGRESSION to her game. I agree with Barbara Schett the Eurosport commentator. Radwanska was more aggressive last year than this year.


Li has played really consistent tennis this year reaching the finals of Australia, QF of Wimbledon, semifinals of the US OPEN.
Li has beaten Azarenka and Sharapova this year.

If Li Na can find a way to win another grand slam title next year she would be the legit number 4 player. But Li Na NEEDS to win another slam I feel to be taken seriously as a top 4 player.

 

[Narcissist]

Aga needs to comeback strong next year or she's going down the rankings I feel.

Radwanska also needs to add more AGGRESSION to her game. I agree with Barbara Schett the Eurosport commentator. Radwanska was more aggressive last year than this year.

I like ARad but don't really feel there has been much progress in her game in the last year.

I think it will go like Hingis, everyone saying she needs more power and more on the 2nd serve as she gets blown off the court again when she comes up against a big hitter on an 'on' day and with nothing changing.