[stijntje]

Hello there,<br />Two years ago, Xavier Malisse said in a belgian newspaper he who be top-20 at the end of 2001... Well, last year he didn't act like a professional tennisplayer, but this year he had some great results... (two finals -> lost to Gambill en Roddick, defeated Henman at the US Open, defeated Clement three times, defeated Safin and many other good players...)<br />Do you guys think he can reach the top-20 at the end of next year! It would be great for him, because he's so talented... He had a great serve and forehand, but sometimes he has some mental problems... I really hope he can make it to the real top...

 

[per4ever]

I don't think so. He has talent, but I don't see him reach the top 20. I hope he does, but he's mentally too weak to get there.

 

[Martian KC]

Well, he has improved alot this year, let's hope he still can! Go Xavier!!!

 

[Martian Martin]

He is definitely a talented player, and if he doesn't reach the top 20 this year, he'll definitely make it next year.<br />It could all depend on who he gets as his new coach because he does seem to have a problem with his temperament.

 

[veryborednow]

Isn't Xavier's coach Tim Henman's ex coach, or have they split up?

 

[per4ever]

They split up, I think his coach went working for Britain or something...

 

[Josh]

Yeah he's talented but he lacks something to be a real top player...can't really explain what it is, I just know he lacks it....*confusing myself*

 

[Martian KC]

A big weapon, Josh? <img src="wink.gif" border="0"> Well look at Lleyton, he doesn't have a big weapon but he is so darn consistent and smart player just like Martina Hingis <img src="wink.gif" border="0"> ! Go Xavier!!!!

 

[Guest]

about xavier: hes hairy

or am i the only one thats noticed?

<br />as for his game, it aint bad! but i dont see him top 20, too many other players that you know, have the top 20 material.

<br />like josh, i take the same appraoch. he just doesnt have IT

 

[Martian KC]

[email protected]! That's he's the X-man! <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> Well let's see what holds Xavier's fate. <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

 

[veryborednow]

They split up already? Wow that was pointless, weird how short it was considering how long he stayed with Tim Henman ...

 

[Martian Martin]

Yeah his wife works at IMG, and I think David Felgate is away to work for them too now, he's giving up doing coaching now.

 

[noukie]

have you seen the davis cup match against morroco<br />(xavier malisse def hicham arazi)?<br />perfect!

<img src="graemlins/wavey.gif" border="0" alt="[Wavey]" /> <img src="graemlins/bounce.gif" border="0" alt="[Bounce]" /> <img src="graemlins/kiss.gif" border="0" alt="[Kiss]" /> <img src="graemlins/angel.gif" border="0" alt="[Angel]" />

 

[BelgianGirl]

I was there Noukie! It was really great, the crowd really exploded when Xavier levelled the tie to 2-2!<br />I think he's a great player when he keeps his head cool, but that seemed to be going better lately. Let's hope he keeps improving on this, because he's really talented! I believe he still can improve his ranking next year! <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

 

[Justinator]

I do believe he has the game to be a top 20 player. And I love watching him play, well most of the time, as long as he doesn't let his head down. Mentally he's not that strong. But he already has improved a lot the last year. I hope he keeps working on it.

Of course he really needs to want it himself, that has been the biggest problem with Malisse. He didn't take it seriously enough, he changed his attitude last year after he and Capriati broke up. As long as he doesn't go back to his old self, then yeah, I think he can make it as a top 20 player.

 

[Justinator]

btw, here's a great pic of Xavier and his girlfriend:

 

[Nina_rus]

Is she from Belgium?

 

[Martian KC]

Thanks for the pic, Sofie!!!! <img src="graemlins/bounce.gif" border="0" alt="[Bounce]" />

 

[Brαm]

Yeah she's Flemish. I think they live in Antwerp now.

 

[Justinator]

It was announced today that Dean Goldfine is Xavier's new coach.