A while a go there were lots of talks about the WTA players
being inconsistent and not living up to their rankings consistently, but from
the start of the new year (It has already been a good two months into the
year), it seems like those talks have died down. How did those talks die down?
Let us have a quick recap of the star-studded tournaments in 2012 so far:
Sydney : (Top 4 seeds were: Wozniaki, Kvitova, Azarenka and Li Na)
Top 4 seeds with the
lone exception of Wozniaki made it to the semi-finals. The semi-finals and the
finals were all promising matches, all three going to three sets. It was
Sydney, where we saw Azarenka in forming.
Australian Open: (Top 4 seeds were: Wozniaki, Kvitova, Azarenka and Sharapova)
After Sydney, came along the first Grand Slam of the year,
the Australian Open. Here again 3 of the top 4 seeds made it to the
semi-finals, again with the lone exception of Wozniaki who lost in the Quarters
to the then defending champion Clijsters. The semi-finals here again proved to
be great battles with Azarenka toughing it out against Clijsters and Sharapova
just hanging in against Kvitova. Although the final was one sided, Azarenka won
in straight sets, it did show that the women at the top are ready to back up
their rankings with strong and deep runs at tournaments.
Doha: (Top 4 seeds were: Azarenka, Wozniaki, Stousr and Radwanska)
Doha was Azarenka's first event as the new world no.1. Again we saw 3 of the top 4 seeds making it
to the semi-finals. I think you would have guessed the lone exception out of the
top 4 seeds, not making to semis, yes you are right, it was Wozniaki , yet again.
Azarenka handed Radwanska her 3rd defeat of 2012 in as many meetings, while
Bartoli retired after she lost the first set to Stousr. Azarenka routed Stousr
in straight sets to claim her 3rd title of 2012 in as many tournaments.
Coming into Indiana Wells, there are a lot of intriguing
questions that we will be seeking answers to:
1 - How long will Azarenka's streak continue?
2- Can Wozniaki bounce back from the disappointing start to
2012? At this time last year, she had already won one title (Dubai) and was
runner up at Doha and had a semi-final showing at the Australian Open. This
year she has yet to make a final.
3- How will Kvitova fare? She has played only 2 Fed cup
matches after losing to Sharapova in Australian Open.
4- Is Radwanska for real? No one other than Azarenka has
been able to beat Radwanska so far in 2012.
5- Can Sharapova bounce back from a disappointing loss to
Kerber at Paris?
6- How will Li Na fare? Will her slump continue like last
year, or will she show her game?
7- Where does Zvonareva stand after a very disappointing
start to 2012? She is 4-4 so far in 2012.
8- Will Georges be able to build on her momentum or we will
again see her inconsistency?
These are few of the many questions we will be seeking
answers to, as we head to Indiana Wells and then Miami after that. Two great
tournaments and intriguing matches await us. How do you see the women’s’ tennis
so far in 2012 and what will you be watching out for during the Indiana Wells
and Miami tournaments?
No comments:
Post a Comment