Serena, 18 in 2013

[Soianka]

I'm making the prediction now.

She will match Navratilova and Evert in 2013 and be in striking distance of surpasing Steffi in 1 year's time.

[Douggo]

It's an interesting possibility. I wonder if winning a couple slams without even being committed to her tennis woke her up to the idea that Steffi's record might just be in reach if she actually worked.

[Soianka]

Originally Posted by Douggo

It's an interesting possibility. I wonder if winning a couple slams without even being committed to her tennis woke her up to the idea that Steffi's record might just be in reach if she actually worked.

Maybe.

I think she is going for the record.

The fact that she missed the Asian tournaments makes me think she doesn't care about the year-end #1 status and is working toward picking up as many slams as possible before she retires.

[Alchemy-Z]

I think next year could be a strong year for her.

[NadalAgassi]

I agree with the thread title. I predicted this years ago but I think she is reaching atleast 20. BTW if she reaches 20 slams she is the real Slam record holder. Court's record with the inflated # of Australian Opens back when the Australian Open wasnt a real slam, and Graf with her Seles stab inflated numbers both have asterix illegitimate marks. The real record is in the 18-19 range, what Evert, Navratilova, Wills, and what Graf and Court both WOULD have.

[zam88]

Depends on how long she stays motivated or before she has some freak injury.


Barring injury she'll be the odds on favorite at the AO, Wimby, and USO.

She won't win the French... she might tank it again like she did last year.


of those 3 slams she's a favorite at, it's pretty easy to see her winning 2 of them.


Then again it could be just as easy to see her become unmotivated after achieving all her goals last year with the gold, Wimbledon, and USO.

If she wants it, its hers for the taking. When she's healthy and motivated, she's still the #1 seed in majors where she actually cares.

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

Originally Posted by Soianka

I'm making the prediction now.

She will match Navratilova and Evert in 2013 and be in striking distance of surpasing Steffi in 1 year's time.

I disagree. I believe two majors is a strong possibility, but she guards herself from too much physical wear at this stage, so even on a schedule designed to focus on majors, it would be difficult to say, win AO through Wimbledon. A replay of this year's majors results is the most likely possibility.

[boredone3456]

Serena has not won 3 majors in a season in 10 years. I doubt she will next year. The French is out pretty much. 1st round exit this year after the clay season she had, not past the Quarters since 03...she won't do it next year I think. The other 3 well yes on paper she can win all of them but I doubt she wins both hardcourt majors. She could get Makarova'd somewhere and Vika might beat her next time. Wimbledon that is a lock if I had to pick one because no one can touch her on grass.

Her body has been through so much that even with her steel nerve its going to be tough, she cannot really cut her schedule anymore because of the new tour rules and required tournaments and she needs to maintain her ranking to make her draws easier.
If in 09 she couldn't win 3 in a season (against a much weaker tour overall than now)..I doubt she will in 2013.

With Serena anything possible though, I won't say no...but I'll say not very likely.