Volcana
Jul 7th, 2005, 01:15 AM
http://********************/top_070605.html
By Matthew Cronin
With the year more than half complete and three Slams under the tours's belts, both the WTA and ATP points races now more accurately reflect who's in the running for the year-end Top-10 rankings. Our post Wimbledon-rankings still differ from the race, but not radically.
THE WOMEN
1. Justine Henin-Hardenne: Her shocking loss to Eleni Daniilidou at the Big W aside, she's been the best all-around player since she returned in March. But the little Belgian will be seriously tested during the summer hard courts.
2. Venus Williams: After her Wimbledon miracle, that title run in Istanbul isn't looking like such a fluke anymore, is it? If she can stay healthy, the vexing V. has a fine shot at the year-end No. 1
3. Serena Williams: Speaking of health, will Serena commit to a vigorous off-court training regimen and get her body back in shape? If she does, she'll have redemption on her mind for the rest of the summer.
4. Lindsay Davenport: Played as well as she's capable of but fell to Venus in the Wimbledon final and then injured her back. Now she's out of Fed Cup, staring at least a couple of weeks of rehab, and a world of self-doubt. Don't think she's not considering retirement again.
5. Maria Sharapova: Yes, she put on an admirable defense of her Wimbledon title, but Venus really exposed her weaknesses. Sharapova needs to add more variety to her game and work hard on her footwork. She'll be hard-pressed to dominate the hard courts, but will put in a tremendous effort.
6. Kim Clijsters: If you are looking for a player who's set to make a huge impression during the pre-US Open hardcourts, then look no further than California Kimmy, who has racked up title after title in the Golden State.
7. Mary Pierce: Was any player more effective on clay and grass during the past six weeks? No, which is why you have to give the veteran a shot at continuing her fine play on hard courts.
8. Nadia Petrova: The Russian also has to be somewhat happy with her results at Roland Garros and Wimby, but now it's time for her to win her first title.
9. Amelie Mauresmo: Paris aside, she played brilliantly against Davenport in the semifinal that few saw in London. She didn't' choke; she was simply out-hit. But with her loopy forehand, don't expect much from her on the hardcourts.
10. Svetlana Kuznetsova: You could argue that Davenport and Clijsters both suffered equally regrettable losses at RG and Wimby, but how about Kutzy, who gagged against Henin-Hardenne in Paris and then couldn't find her money shots against Davenport in London?
I have a lot of trouble figuring out how he put Mauresmo any lower than #7, at the very worst, but outside of that, not an awful subjective list.
By Matthew Cronin
With the year more than half complete and three Slams under the tours's belts, both the WTA and ATP points races now more accurately reflect who's in the running for the year-end Top-10 rankings. Our post Wimbledon-rankings still differ from the race, but not radically.
THE WOMEN
1. Justine Henin-Hardenne: Her shocking loss to Eleni Daniilidou at the Big W aside, she's been the best all-around player since she returned in March. But the little Belgian will be seriously tested during the summer hard courts.
2. Venus Williams: After her Wimbledon miracle, that title run in Istanbul isn't looking like such a fluke anymore, is it? If she can stay healthy, the vexing V. has a fine shot at the year-end No. 1
3. Serena Williams: Speaking of health, will Serena commit to a vigorous off-court training regimen and get her body back in shape? If she does, she'll have redemption on her mind for the rest of the summer.
4. Lindsay Davenport: Played as well as she's capable of but fell to Venus in the Wimbledon final and then injured her back. Now she's out of Fed Cup, staring at least a couple of weeks of rehab, and a world of self-doubt. Don't think she's not considering retirement again.
5. Maria Sharapova: Yes, she put on an admirable defense of her Wimbledon title, but Venus really exposed her weaknesses. Sharapova needs to add more variety to her game and work hard on her footwork. She'll be hard-pressed to dominate the hard courts, but will put in a tremendous effort.
6. Kim Clijsters: If you are looking for a player who's set to make a huge impression during the pre-US Open hardcourts, then look no further than California Kimmy, who has racked up title after title in the Golden State.
7. Mary Pierce: Was any player more effective on clay and grass during the past six weeks? No, which is why you have to give the veteran a shot at continuing her fine play on hard courts.
8. Nadia Petrova: The Russian also has to be somewhat happy with her results at Roland Garros and Wimby, but now it's time for her to win her first title.
9. Amelie Mauresmo: Paris aside, she played brilliantly against Davenport in the semifinal that few saw in London. She didn't' choke; she was simply out-hit. But with her loopy forehand, don't expect much from her on the hardcourts.
10. Svetlana Kuznetsova: You could argue that Davenport and Clijsters both suffered equally regrettable losses at RG and Wimby, but how about Kutzy, who gagged against Henin-Hardenne in Paris and then couldn't find her money shots against Davenport in London?
I have a lot of trouble figuring out how he put Mauresmo any lower than #7, at the very worst, but outside of that, not an awful subjective list.