Sport Stars: 2010

Friday, December 31, 2010

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Thursday, December 30, 2010

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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

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Sunday, December 26, 2010

The answer is relatively simple: Nadal capitalized to the utmost on two critical lapses by his rival one at Wimbledon, where Federer was upset by Tomas Berdych, and one at the U.S. Open, where he was taken out by Novak Djokovic. That Nadal was able to take advantage of those opportunities tells us a great deal about where the ATP Tour is today, but it also makes an oblique comment on the state of the WTA game.

On the ATP side, the evidence suggests that we're living the absolute best years tennis has ever known. It has a rivalry that resonates far beyond the stadia where tennis is played, and the consciousness of the niche tennis audience. The entire world knows, and seems to care, about Rafa versus Roger.

At the same time, the titans have not exercised utter dominion over the men's game, which is always the danger in rivalry. (Surely you remember sitting around, twiddling your thumbs, waiting for the predestined Chris versus Martina final.) Novak Djokovic, Tomas Berdych and Robin Soderling inserted themselves into the main narrative of 2010, in an explosive way, at critical moments that left us hoping rather than merely waiting for another Grand Slam final between Roger and Rafa.

Let's also remember that exactly one year ago, a third name was in the mix at the very top, that of 2009 U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro. I don't even want to think how competitive the men's game would have been had del Potro not suffered a wrist injury that kept him out of action for almost this entire year.

The men's game in 2010 had depth at the top and depth at every other level. I can't imagine men's tennis being in a healthier state than it is at the moment.

It's a little different on the women's side, where the lack of depth at the top is an outstanding shortcoming. It's fitting that the year-end No. 1 ranking went to Caroline Wozniacki, who did not win a single major, because when you don't have a dominant champion or two, the honors go to the last woman standing. And though the WTA has a good number of Grand Slam champions, it doesn't have a dominant one.

The year just ending was undoubtedly the Year of Rafa, as the Spanish lad, already an international icon, completed his career Grand Slam. But in one sense, 2010 ought to be given a one-month extension because this is an ongoing story. Should Nadal win the upcoming Australian Open, he'll be the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four majors. Can you say, "Serena/Rafa Slam?"

One of the more interesting aspects of Rafael Nadal's feat is that he accomplished it in the era dominated by the consensus GOAT (Greatest of All Time), Roger Federer, leading us to wonder, "Gee, how did he do that?"

This is unfortunate because the WTA now has something it has historically lacked: solid depth through the top 15 -- and beyond. When players of the caliber and potential of Victoria Azarenka (No. 10) and Jelena Jankovic (No. 8) are more or less second-tier floaters, the game is in good shape -- better shape than the controversy of a Slam-less No. 1 suggests.

Then there's this: the two stars who returned to the game in 2010, Kim Clijsters (granted, she came back after the midpoint of 2009, but this was her first full year since a lengthy "retirement") and Justine Henin. They didn't waltz back in and dominate, as some predicted they would. Clijsters ended the year at No. 3, just ahead of the Williams sisters, Serena and Venus. Henin pulled her stakes after suffering an elbow injury at Wimbledon, and we have no real idea of her future plans.

It's a good thing for the WTA that whatever she decides doesn't appear to be a pressing concern as 2011 approaches.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Maria sharapova vs Ana Ivanovic

That'll do. Pick your poison, blond or brunette, can't go wrong either way.

Actually, yes you can. Ivanovic is the way to go. Tremendous skill set on the tennis court. That's why I like her, at least.

Ivanovic lost the first 8 games, then rallied to beat Daniela Hantuchova in three sets, while Sharapova dusted off an injured Jelena Jankovic quickly in two. If you don't have a whole lot going on Friday night, you could do much worse than watching the women's final

Sharapova wild about getting a start in Sydney

Russian tennis superstar Maria Sharapova could be heading to Sydney for the first time after requesting a wildcard for next month's Sydney International. One of the world's most photographed athletes, Sharapova will contest the Auckland Classic from January 3 to 8 before deciding whether or not to round out her Australian Open preparations in the harbour city. Ordinarily, officials would already have handed out their quota of wildcards a week before the event, but Sharapova will understandably receive the red-carpet treatment. Tournament director Craig Watson will give the former world No.1 and three-time grand slam champion right up until the tournament-eve draw to commit to the hardcourt event, which runs from January 9 to 15. ''I would love to see her in the draw and so would her legion of fans here in Sydney,'' Watson said yesterday. Sharapova, 23, has never played in Sydney and her appearance would add yet more star power to an already stunning line-up featuring the world's top three - Caroline Wozniacki, Vera Zvonareva and Kim Clijsters, as well as Australian No.1 Samantha Stosur. All up, seven of the world's top-10 women's players are venturing to Sydney. Ranked 18th, Sharapova made an impressive comeback this year from career-threatening shoulder surgery, collecting titles in Memphis and Strasbourg and reaching finals in Birmingham, Stanford and Cincinnati.

Rafael Nadal and Caroline Wozniacki are world champions

Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki has been crowned International Tennis Federation world champion for 2010, despite not having won a Grand Slam.

The 20-year-old, who unseats 13-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams as champion, won six tournaments in 2010.

"To be listed with all the former world champions is something I'm really proud of," said world number one Wozniacki.

Rafael Nadal, who won the French and US Opens and Wimbledon this year, regains the men's title from Roger Federer.

Nadal's triumph rounds off a superb year for the 24-year-old.

Having overcome a persistent knee problem, he won the French Open for the fifth time and claimed his second Wimbledon title.

He then became the youngest player ever, and only the seventh in history, to complete a career Grand Slam when he won the US Open in September, in addition to regaining the world number one spot.

Having also won an Olympic gold medal and two Davis Cups, Spaniard Nadal has now won all of tennis's major prizes.

"It is an honour to be named world champion for the second time," he said.

"After a difficult year in 2009, it was an amazing feeling to regain the number one ranking and finally win the US Open.

"My goal all the time is to keep improving and be a better player each year than I was the previous year."

Caroline Wozniacki aims to shine

World No.1 Caroline Wozniacki is excited that she will be returning to Thailand and meet Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva before her exhibition match with US Open champion Kim Clijsters in Hua Hin on New Year's Day.

Although both get along well, Denmark's Wozniacki wants to defeat Clijsters of Belgium in the 84 World Tennis Invitation Hua Hin on Jan 1.

Wozniacki, who played at the Pattaya Open three years ago, said that she was looking forward to returning to Thailand.

Wozniacki will arrive here on Monday and will have a busy schedule. She and Clijsters, who is scheduled to arrive in Bangkok on Wednesday, will sign a get-well book for His Majesty the King at Siriraj hospital on Thursday.

After that they will meet Abhisit at Government House.

"What an honour!" Wozniacki said of her scheduled meeting with the prime minister.

During her stay in Thailand, Wozniacki will enjoy the beach, spa, elephant riding and, of course, shopping. "I'm really looking forward to riding on an elephant and laying on the beach in the sun working on my tan," she said.

"I hope I can spend a lot of time on the beach and in the spa. Maybe a little shopping. Typical girl stuff!"

Wozniacki recalled her visit to Pattaya three years ago: "I still remember that the beach was so beautiful and the people were so nice to me and my father. Food was also good. We had a wonderful time although I did not play very well."

She said she wanted to beat Clijsters to avenge her defeats against the Belgian at the US Open and the WTA Championships.

One of the most popular players among Thai fans, Wozniacki said she wanted to be the world's top-ranked player as long as possible although she would not put too much pressure on herself.

She said her immediate goal for 2011 was to win in Sydney in her first competitive tournament of the year. "I can't wait to get to Hua Hin!" she said.

The Clijsters v Wozniacki match starts at 5pm. It will be followed by American twins Bob and Mike Bryan of the US against Thai twins Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana.

Tickets are 1,500 baht each and are available at Thai Ticket Major outlets.