I really feel the womens tennis field is on the verge of getting decent again and about to improve. Here is why:
-Clijsters has returned. The fact she has been back only a month and won a slam lets you know all she needs to know. I am not saying she is going to completely dominant but she could well be that #1 player the WTA needs. Someone who will try enough in the non slam tournaments (hello Serena) and be able to win some slams with that, to be a true and worthy and respected #1 and put this crazy scenario of Mrs. tank all non slam events vs Mrs. cant win a slam to rest. At the very least she adds a quality and proven top player to the mix, and she is certainly a valid contender to win slams. She seems hungry to fulfill alot of her previously unfulfilled potential.
-Henin could well return soon. We dont know this yet but the rumours are getting louder and with Kim's seemingly successful return to the tour that can only spur Henin on that much more. What a huge boost for the womens game it would be to have a champion of her stature return, especialy if she too is able to return to top form.
-Wozniacki and Oudin. These 2 players show great potential. Wozniacki may be a pusher to some but she knows how to win matches. There is alot to like about her game and she is so young that she can only get better from here. I have no doubt watching her that she was it takes to be a future slam winner. Oudin really does she has the hunger, the court smarts, and the weapons to be a contender in the coming years too and give the U.S a contender once Venus and Serena age out of contention completely (I am not saying she will be as great as the Williams, dont get me wrong).
-Sharapova is obviously going through a difficult period right now. However she is putting alot of effort into this comeback, and after several months back has shown some signs of recent improvement is a positive. Continued improvement in her return to form could eventually take her back the top 10 and a bonafide contender again which would be great for the womens game.
Even with 19 double faults she nearly beat the eventual quarterfinalist and player who easily beat Dementieva the previous round, and she made a tier 1 final right before that. Positive signs.
As for some of the others. Well hopefully Azarenka realizes she has to do more than just bash the ball if she ever going to be a champion and takes heed of Wozniacki and Oudin's performances at this U.S Open. Hopefully if the depth improves and the expectations lower Safina can relax and not feel overburdened by pressure and having to prove herself which could lead to an eventual slam title. Then if that happens even with heightened expectations again a slam title under belt could make greatly improve her mental game at the big events. Maybe Dementieva will get over the hump and also develop a better mentality in the future from that. Kuznetsova has won 2 slams, maybe she can finally start being more consistent and less of a headcase (ok I am wishing for too much now probably). Stosur also showed potential this year, I think she could surprise some people and make some more runs in the coming years.
-Clijsters has returned. The fact she has been back only a month and won a slam lets you know all she needs to know. I am not saying she is going to completely dominant but she could well be that #1 player the WTA needs. Someone who will try enough in the non slam tournaments (hello Serena) and be able to win some slams with that, to be a true and worthy and respected #1 and put this crazy scenario of Mrs. tank all non slam events vs Mrs. cant win a slam to rest. At the very least she adds a quality and proven top player to the mix, and she is certainly a valid contender to win slams. She seems hungry to fulfill alot of her previously unfulfilled potential.
-Henin could well return soon. We dont know this yet but the rumours are getting louder and with Kim's seemingly successful return to the tour that can only spur Henin on that much more. What a huge boost for the womens game it would be to have a champion of her stature return, especialy if she too is able to return to top form.
-Wozniacki and Oudin. These 2 players show great potential. Wozniacki may be a pusher to some but she knows how to win matches. There is alot to like about her game and she is so young that she can only get better from here. I have no doubt watching her that she was it takes to be a future slam winner. Oudin really does she has the hunger, the court smarts, and the weapons to be a contender in the coming years too and give the U.S a contender once Venus and Serena age out of contention completely (I am not saying she will be as great as the Williams, dont get me wrong).
-Sharapova is obviously going through a difficult period right now. However she is putting alot of effort into this comeback, and after several months back has shown some signs of recent improvement is a positive. Continued improvement in her return to form could eventually take her back the top 10 and a bonafide contender again which would be great for the womens game.
Even with 19 double faults she nearly beat the eventual quarterfinalist and player who easily beat Dementieva the previous round, and she made a tier 1 final right before that. Positive signs.
As for some of the others. Well hopefully Azarenka realizes she has to do more than just bash the ball if she ever going to be a champion and takes heed of Wozniacki and Oudin's performances at this U.S Open. Hopefully if the depth improves and the expectations lower Safina can relax and not feel overburdened by pressure and having to prove herself which could lead to an eventual slam title. Then if that happens even with heightened expectations again a slam title under belt could make greatly improve her mental game at the big events. Maybe Dementieva will get over the hump and also develop a better mentality in the future from that. Kuznetsova has won 2 slams, maybe she can finally start being more consistent and less of a headcase (ok I am wishing for too much now probably). Stosur also showed potential this year, I think she could surprise some people and make some more runs in the coming years.
