[Philip]

Found on the Sanex Wta Tour Website - i dunno if anybody has read it, but in my opinion this is pretty darn accurate and good <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

<br />Monica Seles, the next Australian Open Champion <br />By Elias Devries London, UK

Monica Seles is going to mesmerize the WTA circuit in the coming year and I am certain she will win the 2002 Australian Open.

She was out much of last year with an injury, but she came back in force towards the year's end. I saw her blow Martina Hingis and Jennifer Capriati off the court in less than an hour. She was playing like the Monica of yesteryear. Her passion, focus and precision had the crowd (and me) absolutely speechless.

The press overlooked this feat as they mostly wrote on the Williamses' power and Capriati's resurgence. While Monica eventually lost to Serena she was nevertheless far from beaten. All the previous matches had taken their toll and Monica uncharacteristically choked with double faults in the tiebreaker. The 2001 U.S Open loss was a mystery but no reflection of her tennis. That aside, Monica is back! She played some low-key tournaments towards the end of the year, and won them. She didn't play the Sanex year-end tournament in Munich for personal reasons. From what I saw towards the end of last year she has a new commitment to the game and from the glimmer in her eyes, she wants it again. Her father watching from above must be proud to see the resurgence of his little girl.

So it's Monica who'll win the 2002 Australian Open as it's one of her favorites (and most successful) events, but the Australian Open will only be a footnote in what will be one of Monica Seles' best ever years. Once Monica finally gets back on form there will be no stopping her. Watch this space. <br />

Go Monica <img src="graemlins/bounce.gif" border="0" alt="[Bounce]" />

 

[Kart]

<img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

They forgot to mention the fact that Monica is the greatest but I'll let them off <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

<img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

 

[Volcana]

If that happens, I promise a 500 word post on why Monica Seles is the greatest player of all time. Cause if she pulls that off, she probably is.

 

[Kart]

It's okay Volcana you don't have to write that post, we all already know she's the greatest <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

 

[disposablehero]

Let's be clear on this, Volcana. If what happens? If she wins the Australian Open, or if she has the best year of anyone on tour? We might as well set the rules now.

 

[Miranda]

<marquee behavior = alternate> <font size = 10 color = pink> Lets go, Monica, its about time!!!!!!!!!! </marquee> </font>

 

[moby]

*sigh deeply*

alright monica, you can have the australian<br />but make sure you leave the french for martina <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

 

[VSFan1 aka Joshua L.]

I love Monica and I think she is an excellent player. However, I do not think she will win the Australian. If she does, I will guarantee a 1000 word essay on how Monica has proved me wrong.

 

[brickhousesupporter]

Monica is one of my favorite players, but with todays depth and the amount of players that she will have to beat before she can win the tournament will be too much for her. She has improved her fitness, but not to the level that she can beatt two or three power players in a row. Hingis who is one of the fittest players on the tour seems to have a problem with endurance. That coupled with her having to move more because of the restrictions offered up by using two hands on both sides leads me to think that Monica may get far, but will be holding the trophy at the end of the tournament.<br />Hey I could be wrong.

 

[Infiniti2001]

I love Monica as much as all her fans, but I think some of "us" have this unrealistic dream for her.. We build her up before every slam, and get so dissappointed ::: ducking ::: She was 20 when she got stabbed , and while that seem like a lifetime ago, I understand that she is no longer the same athlete--- mind you , I am also taking her age into account...

Of course she will win many matches and tournaments, and I see her causing much damage at Roland Garos--- but without a miracle, I just can't see her winning the Australian anymore...

I always take responsibility when I am wrong, so if she indeed wins in 2002, I will write that darn essay <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

[ December 11, 2001: Message edited by: Infiniti2001 ]</p>

 

[Volcana]

dh - Philip didn't write that Monica would have the best year of anyone on tour. He wrote that Monica would have one of HER best year's ever. Both of those are nebulous standards, though.

What I meant is, if she wins OZ 2002, I'll write a 500 post on why she's the greatest ever. In fact, if she wins the Australian 2002 OR Roland Garros 2002, I'll write that 500 word essay. And I'll be happy doing it. I'd LOVE to see Monica win another slam. I just don't see it happening.

[ December 11, 2001: Message edited by: Volcana ]</p>

 

[disposablehero]

Fact, Volcana. If Monica has one of her best years ever, it by definition has to be better than anyone else's year.

So you'll compose on either of the first two Slams? Groovy.

 

[Williams Rulez]

One of Monica's best years ever would mean that Monica has to win 3 slams!! Frankly I don't think it is possible. But still, GO MONICA!!

 

[moby]

one of monica's best year ever would mean she'll win wimbledon.

 

[Monica_Rules]

I think she can do it COME ON MONICA!

This time last year did you think Capriati would win 2 granslams get the the semis in the other get to a ton of finals won charlston and got to number 1 no i don't think so!

GO MONICA IN 2002!

 

[Volcana]

dh

Wins OZ - 500 words<br />Wins RG - 500 words

You do realize this is not a hardship?

 

[apoet29]

I think anything is possible. I agree with the author that Monica came back this summer from her injury, not only fitter than she had been previously, but the desire also seem to be there as well and these components were missing from her game before. However, in order for Monica to win the Oz or any other slam this year, she is going to have to prove that she has the mental and physical endurance to compete and beat the Venus' and Lindsay's of the tour. I wish Monica had played in Europe this fall. (I am referring to the tournaments outside of Germany such as the Kremlin Cup and the Seat Open). With the top competition there (Henin, Clijsters, Maleeva, Davenport, Farina-Elia and Coetzer), it would have been easier to discern what shape Monica was in. Not to take anything away from her competitors in Asia, but these players are not yet in Monica's league.

Anyway, this is tennis and anything can happen. Who would have predicted that 2001 would be Capriati's year? Maybe 2002 will be Monica's year.