Archives for December 2011

ATP 2011 Review: Other Notables

Marin still has potential, but will he show it in '12?

 

Marin Cilic ended the year ranked No. 21, which can be seen as an extreme disappointment or a big positive considering he was mentally all over the place coming into the year. Just two years ago the tall and powerful Croatian looked like he would be the next Juan Martin Del Potro, but he really hit the skids. In 2011, he did pick up his level here and there. He is still only 23, but has not shown a consistent style that will bring him into the top 5. Power is not everything in the men

Ready for breakouts

WTA 2011 Review: Other Notables

If Goerges can improve her reaction time big results could await.

Julia Georges ended the year at No. 21 but among players outside of the top 10, she was my most improved, even though she sputtered past her terrific clay court run where she drop-kicked Caro Woznaicki

ATP 2011 Review, Nos. 11-20

Andy was bit by the injury bug again.

This is largely a veteran group, with only two players under the age of 24 and a slew 26 or older. Only two men, Del Potro and Roddick have won majors, and none made it to the final four a major in 2012.

11. JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO: My expectations for the Argentine were too high in 2011 as I expected him to return to his 2009 US Open winning form by mid summer. He did not, although despite two tight losses to Ferrer and Nadal in the Davis Cup final, he did show a lot more confidence and accuracy both off the ground and with his serve at year

WTA 2011Review, No

Kim played brilliantly Down Under, but then the injury bug bit her again.

 

In some ways, this list is more intriguing than the top 10, because it contains four Grand Slams winners, as well as three ex number ones, and three up and comers. All 10 are capable of finishing 2012 ranked in the top 10, but at least four of the veterans could slide out of the top 20. A couple of the younger players may have peaked, too.

11. FRANCESCA SCHIAVONE: As Pennetta said, when Francesca is motivated, she

2011 ATP Review: men ranked Nos. 6-10

Big Jo made a big push.

Remember when Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was going to be a permanent top-5 player after he knocked Rafael Nadal out of the 2008 Australian Open. Well that never happened, some of that having to do with injuries, some of it having to do with technical deficiencies and a bit having to with a lack of mental belief. But in 2011, No. 6 Tsonga took a big step forward, not that he ended the year in the top 5, but because he was competitive nearly every single week, especially after he took his carrer into his owns hands and parted ways with his coach of seven years, Eric Winogradsky just after Roland Garros.

He reached the Queens final, the Wimbledon semis (upsetting Federer), the Montreal semis, won Metz, reached the semis of Beijing, and the Bercy and ATP World Tour Finals, where he lost to Federer. He ended the season with an ATP best 825 aces, and displayed a threatening net game, huge forehand and a now respectable backhand. His still does have lapses in concentration, can play some very silly shots and does not do a good job of returning first serves, but has is an enthusiastic competitor without fear of the big occasion who is certainly capable of winning his first major in 2012.

I

Promising Keys, Levine win USTA Aussie Open WC’s

 

Keys has substantial potential.

The legendary Williams sisters may have some serious back-up very soon. Madison Keys, just 16, who the USTA Australian Open wildcard by taking out Gail Brodsky 6-3, 6-4.

The 24-year-old grinder Jesse Levine won the men

2011 ATP Review: David Ferrer

Ferrer was ever fiery.

Not every player gets the most of his abilities, but there can be almost no question that David Ferrer does. He

Ginepri Cracks Williams, Keys To Face Brodsky

Like days of old, Robby Ginepri is regaining his spot as Atlanta's top player

Up 5-4, the 29-year-old might remember the two easy volleys he failed to convert against former University of Tennessee Volunteer Rhyne Williams. But, he will not forget the overhead he hit pararral to the court over the first backdrop and then over the second tarp at the Racquet Club of the South.

Still, he found his composure

Riske, Ginepri Star in Wild Card Playoffs

Ginepri is on the comeback trail.

NORCROSS, GA