[Steffica Greles]

By the term 'star', I simply mean someone with a game which is clearly of slam-winning potential, some level above the ordinary. The last to emerge was Sharapova, WAY back in 2004. If we're to include Ivanovic, which I think might be fair, let's say 2005. Now, that's incredible. Women's tennis desperately needs someone decent to emerge.

Three of the four semi-finalists in Miami were in the latter third of their 20s. Women's tennis really is in a terrible state with no new players pushing up.

That noisy one from Belarus isn't anything special, despite some hope last year. Safin's sister was ordinary from the beginning, as was the one from Serbia with the bronzer.

From what I've read, there are no promising youngsters coming from the juniors either.

[Rafito.]

Originally Posted by Steffica Greles

That noisy one from Belarus isn't anything special, despite some hope last year. Safin's sister was ordinary from the beginning, as was the one from Serbia with the bronzer.

They do have names.

[tennisforadults]

Originally Posted by Steffica Greles

By the term 'star', I simply mean someone with a game which is clearly of slam-winning potential, some level above the ordinary. The last to emerge was Sharapova, WAY back in 2004. If we're to include Ivanovic, which I think might be fair, let's say 2005. Now, that's incredible. Women's tennis desperately needs someone decent to emerge.

I think you meant someone who can win a Grand Slam, not just having slam-winning potential. Azarenka, Jankovic and Safina all have slam-winning potential, but neither has won one. Safina has been the closest, reaching 3 grand slam finals, so calling her 'ordinary' is really way too harsh.

I still think Safina has a shot, if she's to come back from her injury playing well.

And I think you've forgotten about Wozniacki and Radwanska. You may not like their games, but both of them are young and in the top 10. When one of these young top 10 players wins their 1st GS, your wish will be fulfilled.

[hotviolin83]

It's difficult to predict when we will have the next Sharapova or even Ivanovic. these players differentiate themselves to the Radwankas or Wozniackis in that they were stars with charisma and attracted lots of attention.
I have to wonder if someone from Asia like China or Japan will emerge. I know they're investing a lot of money there and they have had numerous quality players like Sugiyama, Na Li, etc...but they didn't have a dominant figure and that seems odd

[goldenlox]

If you mean another Sharapova, who looks at 17 like she might become a true top 4 player, we all want to see that.

There are good young players out there, but Maria looked like she might win 5 or more majors.

We dont have a teen like that now. You have to be patient

[Melange]

Originally Posted by hotviolin83

It's difficult to predict when we will have the next Sharapova or even Ivanovic. these players differentiate themselves to the Radwankas or Wozniackis in that they were stars with charisma and attracted lots of attention.
I have to wonder if someone from Asia like China or Japan will emerge. I know they're investing a lot of money there and they have had numerous quality players like Sugiyama, Na Li, etc...but they didn't have a dominant figure and that seems odd

Wozniacki has plenty of charisma, she just doesnt have that over-inflated ego and self importance that causes the drama and gives the media the quotes they like. I dont think anyone from Asia will emerge soon. They need a big athlete, not the small, fast counterpunchers they have been producing.

[cogent53]

I agree with the main point made by the original poster, where is the young hungry fearless 18/19 year old that is going to shake up the old guard like Graf did, Seles did, the Williams sisters did, Hingis, Capriati, even back to Tracy Austin and Andrea Jaegar. We haven;t had anyone since Sharapova and IMO none of the current crop look likely.

Azarenka, Wickmayer, Lisicki all have power but are too inconsistent. Radwanska and Wozniacki have a steadier game but is their game big enough? Oudin looked promising at the USO but hasn't followed it up fully. Will Sharapova or Ivanovic ever reach the heights they did as they are still young. With the Williams, Henin, Clisters, Dementeiva all closer to 30 than 20, the WTA needs some young stars to take their chances.

[Wiggly]

Robson has more charisma than half the top 100 combined.
She's a pretty girl and can speak English + her interviews are amaze.

Her game is entertaining as well. She plays to win, not to avoid losing.

The WTA must be dreaming she gets some strong results, soon.

[fantic]

You forgot to add the pretty girl in my avatar

But yeah, who will become the next Sharapova?

[cogent53]

I agree with the main point made by the original poster, where is the young hungry fearless 18/19 year old that is going to shake up the old guard like Graf did, Seles did, the Williams sisters did, Hingis, Capriati, even back to Tracy Austin and Andrea Jaegar. We haven;t had anyone since Sharapova and IMO none of the current crop look likely.

Azarenka, Wickmayer, Lisicki all have power but are too inconsistent. Radwanska and Wozniacki have a steadier game but is their game big enough? Oudin looked promising at the USO but hasn't followed it up fully. Will Sharapova or Ivanovic ever reach the heights they did as they are still young. With the Williams, Henin, Clisters, Dementeiva all closer to 30 than 20, the WTA needs some young stars to take their chances.

[cellophane]

I love Robson, but I doubt she has slam-winning potential.

[goldenlox]

I think we also had a bad time with injuires.
In 2008 Maria won the AO and Dinara won Berlin and made the AO final losing to Ana.
It looked like young stars were rising up.
Maybe this is a part of the current era, where players need time to heal their bodies and get refreshed.

[Steffica Greles]

It's hilarious!!

When people are touting 24 year-old Safina or 28 year-old Na Li, there we have it! NOBODY IS COMING THROUGH.

[Steffica Greles]

Originally Posted by tennisforadults

I think you meant someone who can win a Grand Slam, not just having slam-winning potential. Azarenka, Jankovic and Safina all have slam-winning potential, but neither has won one. Safina has been the closest, reaching 3 grand slam finals, so calling her 'ordinary' is really way too harsh.

I still think Safina has a shot, if she's to come back from her injury playing well.

And I think you've forgotten about Wozniacki and Radwanska. You may not like their games, but both of them are young and in the top 10. When one of these young top 10 players wins their 1st GS, your wish will be fulfilled.

I wrote clearly with slam-winning potential. I don't think ANY of those players above have clear slam winning potential, especially those two Polish girls...isn't one from Denmark?

The day any of those have clear slam winning potential is the day we all jointly concede women's tennis is a bit of a jest.

[Daniel K]

Yeah Robson is hilarious!
She'll be a star. She's already halfway there in Britain.