[mboyle]

I know. But care to tell who from U.S. of A is in Top 10 in 2008 ? My guess, still. None. But you should know better

In 2008 Maria Sharapova will be no. 1 from the US (I think she will immigrate). But actually, he has a point. The sistas have indicated to me at least that they aren't going to play beyond 26 or 27 (maybe earlier for Venus), which puts us at about a 2006 retirement for Venus, and a 2008/2009 retirement for Serena. As for the up and comers, Shaughnessy will likely be a top ten player if you ask me (once she gets her head together), but I don't see her as a slam winner. Gullickson is probably the most talented teenager, which is really REALLY scary. So as an american, I am not laughing at you, I agree you have a point.

Matt's predicions for year end top ten 2008:
1. Maria Sharapova
2. JHH
3. Tatiana Golovin
4. Serena Williams
5. Kim Clijsters
6. Barbora Strykova
7. Amelie Mauresmo
8. *insert random Russian here*
9. *insert random Russian here*
10. Meghan Shaughnessy

 

[mboyle]

Get real and wake up korben! Head-to-Head "the Russians" as you put it are collectively 2-55 lifetime against Venus & Serena ALONE. And I'm absolutely certain that their record against Lindsay, Monica, Jennifer, Chanda and other Americans is just as bad. Your point of view is not only DEAD WRONG but laughably ABSURD based on the actual, real EVIDENCE...WINNING is what counts in sports not a lot of bullshit talk. Until the Americans are actually consistently BEATEN by the Russians or the Belgians or whatever pretenders you or others want to parade on this board all you're doing is TALKING LOUD & SAYING NOTHING!

Hi. Welcome to the future. Most of the Russians are still developing, and while it is likely that none will ever be as much of a legend as either of the sisters, I think the point is that we are looking at the future, which deems all statistics irrelevant. Besides, you shouldn't tell anyone that their opinion is "dead wrong".

Cheers .

 

[mboyle]

mboyle

Have to disagree with those two. Specially Strycova, she ain´t that good. Played in juniors too long so got a career high in there. Better than Salerni (former no: 1 too) but still way off the best. Maybe "Coetzer" of the future. Best I see her reach is one or two slam semis/QFs and that is that. (Sorry Barbora fans)

And no 1 pick looks good to me. Although "old" russians or JH-H / Kim might have a good grip of that (don´t mension Kuznetsova, I got a way with it, once)

Yay! I have a fan . I thought I was the most unknown common poster but someone actually noticed one of my posts! (that's at least a start ) Anyways, I should have put another "insert russian here", but I had heard alot of propaganda about how good Strycova was etc., and I guess I bought it . However, Golovin is the real deal. I have seen two of her matches (both in Miami two years ago), and even back then she amazed me (until Sharapova took her out in the match that made me a humongous fan). I really think by 2008, Golovin can definately be a top five player.

 

[mboyle]

Did the Williams sisters die?? Or do you just not consider them Americans??

you know, sadly the sisters might not be around in 2008 . Venus already has her own business, and I think come another year or two of tennis, and she might want to really start focusing on that instead of her career. Serena might get her "big break" in acting, and I bet you she will follow the money and take that (if it happens). Serena might still be around in 2008 (70% chance I think, and even if she is I would bet dollars to doughnuts she retires after the 2009 season at the latest), but Venus I am not sure about at all (I'd say 30% or less chance). To Williams fans: please don't look at this as an attack, and remember that this is supposed to be in 5-10 years, not a moment before. We are assuming here that the sisters have retired or are waning from the spotlight.