Following her semifinal win, Serena Williams admitted that Samantha Stosur, the tenth seed, would be a tough task in the final. While Williams’ words were proven true early on, she still found the means to neutralize her adversary. Williams prevailed 6-4, 6-2 over Stosur for her second Rogers Cup Trophy.

For Stosur, the 2010 French Open finalist Stosur, it’s been a difficult year. Finally though, in Toronto, Stosur has been able to string together good performances putting down Na Li in the third round and Agniezska Radwanska, the titlist last week in Carlsbad, in the semifinals.

Although at their ultimate meeting, the 2010 French Open, Stosur saved match point in defeating Williams in the quarterfinals. With a record of 2-8 in finals, Stosur would have to come up with something special to beat Williams who has a mark 38-14 at this stage of tournaments.

In her third round match, Williams overcame dropping the first set against Jie Zheng and did the same in the quarterfinals in battling lefty Lucie Safarova. Yet, in the semifinals, Williams dominated world number four, Victoria Azarenka.

At first, Williams had no answer for Stosur’s hugest weapon, the kick serve. With an ace, Stosur sealed her second love game for 3-2. Later, by utilizing her second big asset, the forehand, Stosur connected on a down the line winner for game point. When Williams netted the return, Stosur went ahead 4-3.

Williams was also coasting on her service games and forcing a myriad of errors from Stosur. With no indication of an upcoming break point, the tide suddenly shifted with Stosur serving at 4 all and 40-15.

Williams pulverized a second serve forehand return winner which stunned Stosur. The Aussie’s subsequent first serve was hit with less power resulting ultimately in a backhand mistake by Stosur and deuce.

With Williams’ return more effective, she manufactured a second break point in the game by finding a backhand down the line winner. By connecting on a forehand volley winner, Williams captured the break for 5-4. Then, with an outstanding service game, Williams pocketed the first set.

From that point on, Williams raced to the finish, trying to finish prior to the projected storm. By pushing Stosur into a backhand miscue, Williams had double break point to begin the second set.

Although Stosur got to deuce, Williams fabricated a third break point. With a forehand crosscourt winner, Williams had the break and easily consolidated.

Her next time out, Stosur fought off break point but held for 1-2. Yet, with another love game, Williams stretched her lead to 3-1.

Because of bevy of mistakes by Stosur, Williams had again double break point. When Stosur’s forehand failed her, Williams had a near insurmountable advantage of 4-1.

Serving for the match, Williams committed a forehand error to face her first break point of the day. Still, she quickly recovered with an ace.

Next, with Stosur’s forehand traveling long, Williams had match point. By thumping an ace, Williams placed an exclamation mark on her performance and claimed the championship.

Williams last hoisted this trophy ten years ago, and last collected back to back titles in 2008. Williams is thrilled that she has been doing so well after her medical issues stating “I am happy to be here. . .I keep having fun”.

When asked whether she expected to be at such a level so soon, Williams responded “I like to do the impossible”. With the victory today, Williams’ ranking will move from 80 into the top 30.

Williams also conceded that her objective is to be seeded at the U.S. Open. In a couple of days, Williams will compete in Cincinnati. With good results there, she will meet her goal of being in the top 32 in New York.

Nathalie Narcisse

A definite truism which applies to Serena Williams is that she’s always hungry for another major. The two time defending champion demonstrated that despite some first week cobwebs, she is prepared to fight for a “three-peat” at the All England Club.

Venus Williams, a five time champion at Wimbledon, is still in contention for another title on her most successful surface. Maria Sharapova, the 2004 champion, is almost playing to the standards expected of her. Sharapova is trying to get pass the fourth round for the first time since 2006 at this venue.

The most stunning early departure was 2010 runner-up Vera Zvonareva. Here’s a mid-tournament summary and a preview of the interesting match-ups to come.

After going the distance her first two rounds, Serena Williams cruised in the third round against Maria Kirilenko. The next round, Serena will have to bring her best stuff against Marion Bartoli, the 2007 Wimbledon finalist. Bartoli is playing with great confidence since winning her maiden grass court title in Eastbourne.

Subsequent to a comfortable opening match, Venus Williams clawed past 40 year old Kimiko Date-Krumm in the second round. However, in the third round, Venus coasted to victory. Next up for Venus is Tsvestana Pironkova.

In a rematch of last year’s semifinal, Pironkova avenged her lost to Zvonareva in the third round. In 2010, Pironkova reached the semifinals by upending Venus in the quarterfinals. Pironkova also ousted Venus at the Australian Open in 2006. With Pironkova’s 2-1 against Venus, this tussle could be another doozy.

Following straight sets victories her first three matches, Sharapova meets Shuai Peng in the fourth round. If Sharapova prevails, she could encounter world number one Caroline Wozniacki in the quarterfinals.

Wozniacki has been untroubled through three rounds. Standing in Wozniacki’s way for a maiden Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance is Dominika Cibulkova.

Nearly two years after being derailed by injuries, Sabine Lisicki is blossoming once again. Lisicki followed up her recent title in Birmingham by upsetting 2011 French Open champion Na Li in the second round. Lisicki can equal her 2009 Wimbledon quarterfinal showing as she faces Petra Cetkovska in the fourth round. Cetkovska booted Agniezska Radwanska in the second round, then shocked Ana Ivanovic in the third.

After two easy rounds, Victoria Azarenka shook off Daniela Hantuchova in a tough three set encounter. In the round of 16, Azarenka collides with Nadia Petrova, a two time Wimbledon quarterfinalist. Petrova knocked out rising star Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the first round. At 29 years of age, Petrova has plenty of fire power to bother Azarenka.

2010 semifinalist Petra Kvitova has been progressing quietly through the draw. The Czech’s fourth round opponent will be Yanina Wickmayer.

Along with Cetkovska, two players making their debut in the round of 16 at a major are a pair of 20 year olds, Russian Ksenia Pervak and Austrian Tamira Paszek. Pervak bounced Shahar Peer in the first round and Andrea Petkovic in the third round.

Paszek recorded the biggest win of her career over Francesca Schiavone in the third round. Since Pervak and Paszek will clash in the fourth round, one will move on to her first quarterfinal at a major.

Some other names surprisingly absent from the second week of the tournament are Samantha Stosur, Jelena Jankovic and Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Wozniacki continues to play defensive tennis. In a quarterfinal with Sharapova, if the Russian’s aggressive style does not fail her, it’s difficult to imagine Wozniacki advancing any further.

With Venus and Serena still in the draw, the possibility of an all Williams final is plausible. But, the obstacles are huge. Should Venus get by Pironkova, Kvitova may be up in the quarterfinals and Azarenka in the semifinals.

Waiting for Serena after Bartoli could be Lisicki who’s been getting stronger with each passing round. Moreover, for Serena, a semifinal versus Sharapova would no walk in the park.

Still, out of the top half of the draw, Serena and Sharapova are the likeliest finalist. In the bottom half, if not Venus, Kvitova may book her first spot in the final at a major this tournament.

The Williams sisters made their long awaited return to competitive tennis this week. Despite being rusty, with nine of the last eleven championships at the All England Club, Venus and Serena are among the favorites. Moreover, the Wimbledon draw sets up the potential for a fifth all Williams final. Here’s a more detailed analysis.

World number one Caroline Wozniacki hopes to validate her ranking with a first major. However, Wozniacki will need to do some heavy lifting to achieve that feat.

In the quarterfinals, Wozniacki may have to go through 2004 Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova. In addition, for the Dane, a semifinal encounter with defending and four time winner Serena or reigning French Open champion Na Li may be in the cards. Needless to say, Wozniacki will have to work hard to earn her maiden major.

Serena will begin her title defense by facing the talented Aravane Rezai in the first round. In the fourth round, Serena could see another sizeable French hurdle in 2007 finalist Marion Bartoli.

Later, in the quarterfinals, Serena may clash against Li who is no push over. In Li’s case, Sabine Lisicki may present difficulties in the second round. Lisicki has been regaining her form and confidence as is evident with her recent title in Birmingham.

Sharapova is again in the mix at another major. While a first round match with countrywoman Anna Chakvetadze could be testy, Sharapova should come through. Sharapova is likely to have a tougher time in the fourth round if Samantha Stosur is the opponent.

Serena had been out of commission nearly a year. For the seventh seed to claim her fifth Wimbledon crown, she will have to come up with the type of performance which resulted in her surprise victory at the Australian Open in 2007. With Serena’s track record, it’s certainly hard to bet against her. Yet, with Ana Ivanovic, Maria Kirilenko, Flavia Pennetta and Julia Goerges in the top half of the draw, there is an endless list of players capable of pulling off an upset.

As a consequence of Kim Clijsters’ withdraw due to a foot injury, last year’s finalist Vera Zvonareva is the top seed in the bottom half. Zvonareva is slated to meet either Victoria Azarenka or Francesca Schiavone in the semifinals.

Beforehand, Jelena Jankovic and five time champion Venus offer a tantalizing potential third round match-up with the victor scheduled to collide with Zvonareva in the fourth round.

2010 semifinalist Petra Kvitova is hoping to advance one step further this time. For that to occur, the Czech may have to get past Svetlana Kuznetsova in the fourth round. In the quarterfinals, Kvitova could take on Venus, Zvonareva or Jankovic.

In the first round, Schiavone will see Jelena Dokic. Thus, it may be a short stint on the grass for the Italian. If Schiavone progresses, Andrea Petkovic could stop her in the round of 16. Schiavone’s uphill climb could continue with Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Azarenka as possible quarterfinal adversaries.

Speaking of Azarenka, the Belarusian’s most difficult obstacle could be Pavlyuchenkova in the fourth round. If Azarenka prevails in such a showdown, she should sail to her initial major semifinal.

With no absolute front runner for the trophy, Sharapova, Venus and Serena who have been at the winner circle previously have an edge. Still, for young guns such as Wozniacki, Azarenka, Pavlyuchenkova and Kvitova, it’s a golden opportunity to seize the moment.

Strangely enough, Maria Sharapova is also a favorite on clay. The Russian’s victory in Rome two weeks ago demonstrates that she can power her way to a title on this surface. As such, Sharapova deserves to be in the column of players to beware of.

More so than previous years, there has been no standout on the red clay this season. Julia Goerges surprised world number one Caroline Wozniacki in the final in Stuttgart. Petra Kvitova made her debut into the top ten with her victory in Madrid, stunning world number four Victoria Azarenka.

Therefore, any one residing in the vicinity of the ten best from world number three Vera Zvonareva to Azarenka to defending champion Francesca Schiavone to Kvitova has a fair shot at hoisting the title. The French Open draw is revealed. Here’s an analysis of the key match-ups.

Wozniacki’s first round opponent is Kimiko Date-Krumm. The Japanese is know for pulling upsets at majors. Last year, she shocked Dinara Safina in the same round. As a result, Wozniacki will have no time to relax early on.

Another challenging encounter for the world number one could come in the third round where she may face 2009 French Open winner Svetlana Kuznetsova. Wozniacki’s progression to the final could be further complicated by 2010 finalist Samantha Stosur or Goerges in the quarterfinals and either Jelena Jankovic, Zvonareva, or Schiavone in the semifinals.

A sole semifinal showing in Brussels is Zvonareva’s best performance on clay this year. The Russian could stumble in the third round if she clashes with compatriot Nadia Petrova or in the fourth round where countrywoman Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova could offer tremendous resistance.

Also in the top half of the draw, Schiavone and Jankovic could collide in the round of 16. Either player could battle Zvonareva in the quarterfinals.

Azarenka and Sharapova are in the bottom section of the draw. Despite being in a winning position in Rome, Azarenka had to retire in the quarterfinals against Sharapova due to a right elbow injury. Whether Azarenka has fully recovered from that problem will determine how well she performs in Paris. Azarenka and Sharapova could meet in the semifinals.

Prior to that, Azarenka may need to bypass someone also with injury issues in the fourth round, 2008 French Open champion, Ana Ivanovic.

Yet, Azarenka’s tallest hurdle may be Kvitova in the quarterfinals which would be a rematch of the Madrid Open final. As a newcomer to the top ten, Kvitova is playing with the least pressure which makes her even more dangerous.

But, if the draw holds, Kvitova and Na Li will duel in the round of 16. With two semifinals placements, Li is a force on this surface.

Before a possible semifinal with Kvitova or Azarenka, Sharapova could have her hands full in the fourth round against Yanina Wickmayer or Agnieszka Radwanska. In addition, ahead in the quarterfinals for Sharapova could be Andrea Petkovic or Clijsters.

Speaking of Clijsters, if the Belgian is able to find her clay feet in the initial two rounds, Maria Kirilenko would be a huge test in the third round or Petkovic in the fourth round.

In conclusion, it’s truly a tossup as to which player will emerge as the conqueror at Roland Garros. If Wozniacki wants to live up to her ranking and end her drought at the majors, she will have to stray from her comfort zone and rely more on offense rather than defense.

Sharapova and Kvitova with their titles on clay have shown that big hitters who are not necessarily graceful on this surface can overpower their rivals come away with the big prize.

With the unpredictability in the ladies’ game, it would not be surprising to see Clijsters carry the French Open despite no real play on clay for five years. The drama unfolds in a less than a day.

Wozniacki’s road to the final was treacherous. The Dane prevailed in two tough tiebreaker sets in the third round. Wozniacki overcame Yanina Wickmayer serving for the match in the quarterfinals and battled past Jelena Jankovic in the semifinals.

For her part, Vesnina beat defending champion Samantha Stosur in the third round and knocked out two seeded opponents in the quarter and semifinals. Thus, Vesnina was hoping to cap her week with another great victory and get her maiden WTA title after failing on four prior occasions.

In their head to head, Wozniacki had a 4-1 record against Vesnina including two semifinal wins at Ponte Vedra Beach on clay in 2009 and 2010. Consequently, Vesnina would need to do something special to walk away with the trophy.

With a backhand volley winner, Vesnina arrived at break point. Yet, with a crosscourt backhand winner, Wozniacki took care of that. Finally on her fifth game point chance, Wozniacki held for 2-1 in the first set.

Then, with a backhand down the line winner, Wozniacki had double break point. When Vesnina dumped a forehand into the net, Wozniacki secured the break and consolidated for 4-1. Later, Wozniacki broke Vesnina a second time to bank the first set.

After dismissing a break point in the first game of the second set, Wozniacki manufactured a break point. However, Vesnina came up with a great backhand volley and eventually held for 1 all.

Following, in each service game, Vesnina faced a break point even after being in front 40-0. Still, the Russian found a way to get to 3 all. Moreover, with a forehand crosscourt winner, Vesnina obtained double break point. But, Wozniacki stood her ground and forged ahead to a 4-3 edge.

Later, with a forehand up the line winner, Wozniacki had sixth break point opportunity of the second set. With Vesnina’s next shot sailing long, Wozniacki captured the break for a 5-3 advantage.

Aided by mistakes from Vesnina, Wozniacki quickly arrived at double championship point. With the Russian netting a backhand, Wozniacki wrapped up the championship.

Wozniacki admitted that it was a difficult match. It frustrated the Dane having so many break chances in the second set and not capitalizing early on.

Wozniacki said she was finally able to come through by reminding herself to “stay aggressive, try to keep [the ball] deep and stay focused”. With the injury last year, Wozniacki cited that the victory was particularly sweet “as they say the third time is the charm”.

From the green clay of Charleston, the WTA tour transitions to the red clay of Europe. One notable absentee will be Kim Clijsters. The world number two suffered a severe ankle injury while dancing at a family wedding and is questionable for the French Open.

After double faults played a huge part in the competitors exchanging breaks to open up the first set, Stosur dismissed break point to guard serve for 3-2. Next, when Sharapova double faulted, Stosur had a break point. Yet, the Russian held her ground to pull out the game and level the set at 3 all.

Then, Stosur caught the double fault bug. With two successive ones, she handed Sharapova double break point. Sharapova capitalized and took a 4-3 edge.

After going down 0-30 when attempting to consolidate, Sharapova succeeded in serving well and consolidated. Sharapova latter comfortably bedded the set.

Subsequent to dismissing a break point to hold serve in the initial game of the second set, Stosur was not so lucky her next time out. Sharapova broke to go ahead 2-1.

From that point on, Sharapova had an unblemished scorecard serving wise with no double faults. The Russian stole two more service games from Stosur to underline her dominance.

In assessing her performance, Sharapova said: “I have a good record against her, but it’s not something that you typically look at going into the match. I know that she’s a very tough player. She’s number five in the world. You can’t take that for granted going out on the court”.

Moreover, Sharapova stated: “Her serve is one of her biggest weapons. She has a great kick out there and gets more spin than anyone on tour. She’ll hang in there with you. . . she’s at [number five] for a reason”.

In terms of viewing the future, Sharapova was asked what she needs to work on to be “consistent” with her game. Sharapova replied: “a lot of it is adjustments throughout the match depending on your opponent. If you find yourself with a game plan that you’re not feeling or doesn’t quite work, you have to find a way to adjust. . . Maybe [it’s] the conditions, [you] just really have to figure it out. That’s the great thing about the sport. You have so many points, so many games and many different opportunities”.

In the quarterfinals, Sharapova will face Alexandra Dulgheru. Dulgheru defeated Shuai Peng 6-3, 6-4. This will be their first encounter.

In the top half of the draw, world number one Wozniacki coasted into the round of 16.   Despite difficult challenges from Gisela Dulko and Dominika Cibulkova, the Dane has yet to drop a set.  Wozniacki will battle Latvian talent 20 year old Anastasija Sevastova  who stunned Yanina Wickmayer in the second round.

On the other hand, Henin, a finalist last year, was dismissed in the third round by Svetlana Kuznetsova.  The 2009 French Open champion who appears to be fitter than ever will face reigning French Open victor Francesca Schiavone in the fourth round.  The latter needed three sets in each of her first two rounds.

There will be no Williams hoisting the prize this year.  Venus was forced to retire one game into her third round match with Andrea Petkovic due to a pelvic muscle injury.  Consequently, Petkovic will clash with Maria Sharapova in the round of 16. Sharapova scraped by Julia Goerges in the previous round.  With Sharapova’s serve a continual sore spot, Petkovic has a golden opportunity to reach her first quarterfinal at a major.

Both Li Na and Victoria Azarenka have been unforgiving thus far with straight sets victories to get to the round of 16.  These two will now collide for a place in the quarterfinals.

In the bottom half of the draw, two big names are absent.  In the second round, Jelena Jankovic, the seventh seed, was ousted by Shuai Peng.  With a fourth round showing, this is Peng’s best performance at a major to date. The Chinese woman battles Agnieszka Radwanska next.  Radwanska overcame a tough first round tussle with Kimiko Date-Krumm.  For Radwanska and Peng, this will be a rematch of their 2010 U.S. Open second round where the latter was the winner.

The second player to make a shocking exit in that section was Samantha Stosur.  The Aussie who appeared unstoppable in her first two rounds was taken out by Petra Kvitova.  Kvitova will subsequently compete against Flavia Pennetta for a slot in the quarterfinals.

Despite being tested, world number two Vera Zvonareva remains in the hunt for her first major.  In the round of 16, Zvonareva will play veteran Iveta Benesova who downed teenager Anastasia Pavlyuchenckova in the prior round.

After serving a bagel to former world number one Dinara Safina, Clijsters sailed through her second round encounter.  In the third round, Clijsters overcame resistance from Alize Cornet, pulling out a two sets win despite 13 winners and 41 errors.  In the round of 16, Clijsters should be back in cruise control as she squares off against Ekaterina Makarova who terminated Ana Ivanovic’s Australian Open hopes in the first round.

In spite of the mentioned third round lull, Clijsters is the favorite.  Wozniacki is a certain contender and has a good chance of seizing the big prize.  Two other candidates to strongly consider as possible trophy holders are Kuznetsova and Azarenka.  The dispute for the quarterfinal spots start tonight.

Imagine needing to conquer Gisela Dulko in the first round, Dominika Cibulkova in the third round and either Justine Henin or Francesca Schiavone just to get to the quarterfinals.  This is the precise task which probably awaits Wozniacki.  Moreover, in the semifinals, the Dane could clash with either Venus, whom she has never beaten, Victoria Azarenka or Maria Sharapova.  In light of the treacherous road ahead, Wozniacki has her work cut out for her in trying to survive the first week and retain the number one ranking.

Since her 2010 Wimbledon injury, this will be Henin’s first major.  After months of noncompetitive play, Henin performed well at the Hopman Cup.  In Melbourne, a possible third round encounter with Svetlana Kuznetsova will be her first true challenge.  Last year, Henin battled her way to the final after an almost two year sabbatical. Consequently, if the Belgian successfully navigates the first week, she could duplicate her feat of a year ago.

If healthy, Venus should reach the round of 16 with ease.  At that stage, the 2003 Australian Open finalist could be tested, if the draw holds true to form, by the 2008 Australian Open champion, Sharapova. The Russian’s last major was in Melbourne.  Subsequent to shoulder surgery a couple of years ago, Sharapova appears finally at full steam.  That type of encounter could be a shot in the arm for Sharapova and push her back into the top ten.

2010 semifinalist Na Li is hoping to become the first Chinese person to advance to the final of a major.  In Sydney recently, Li defeated Clijsters to bank the title which is undoubtedly a confidence builder.  A third round match-up with Aravane Rezai, a round of 16 possible encounter with Victoria Azarenka may present some issues for Li.  The Chinese woman ousted Venus in the quarterfinals last season and could see the American or Sharapova in that round this year.  Having never battled Henin and with a slim edge in her head to head with Wozniacki, in a semifinal bout with either woman, Li could pull off the upset and become a surprising finalist.

In the bottom half of the draw, Vera Zvonareva, the world number two should sail smoothly into the round of 16.  At that point, Zvonareva will need to guard against fellow Russians Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Maria Kirilenko.  In the quarterfinals for Zvonareva, Aussie Samantha Stosur and 2010 Wimbledon semifinalist Petra Kvitova could be a challenge; especially the latter, who commenced 2011 with a title in Brisbane.

Considering her unforeseen dismissal by Nadia Petrova last year, Clijsters leaves room for doubt.  Still, Clijsters could get the opportunity to avenge that beat down in the round of 16.  Rather than Petrova, Ana Ivanovic would like to be the one to have a crack at stopping Clijsters in the fourth round.

In many respects, Clijsters seems to be holding all the cards.  With only one loss to Jelena Jankovic in eight meetings and a recent win over Alisa Kleybanova in Sydney, it’s tough to conjure up a case against Clijsters not reaching the semifinals.  Moreover, in the U.S. Open final, Clijsters trashed Zvonareva and against Stosur, the Belgian hold a 5-0 record. As such, in a semifinal versus either woman, Clijsters will have the edge.  As a result, if Clijsters stays focused the entire two weeks, she will win her first non U.S. Open major.

Although the familiar saying states “all good things must come to an end”, when it comes to tennis it’s not necessarily the case.  While the 2010 season is over, in the blink of an eye the new one will commence.  Before turning to a fresh chapter, it’s important to reminisce and ponder what made this past year noteworthy.

At her first tournament after rejoining the tour, Justine Henin was a finalist in Brisbane.  The Belgian followed that result with a run to the final at the Australian Open.  In a compelling match, Serena Williams edged out Henin to defend her title and claimed her twelfth career major.  Despite Williams’ conquest, the road to victory was far from routine.  Thus, early indications were Williams would be fighting tooth and nail to retain the number one ranking.  Yet, in the end, injury became Serena’s speed bump rather than her fellow competitors.

Following Australia, a knee injury caused Williams to put her feet up for a few months.  In May, a healthy Serena returned to competition.  Subsequent to being stunned in the French Open quarterfinals, Williams successfully defended her Wimbledon title.  However, days after her triumph, Serena suffered a freakish foot injury.  Initially, the damage seemed inconsequential.  But, as the weeks went by, Serena withdrew from tournament after tournament and underwent surgery.  Ultimately, Wimbledon proved to be Serena’s last event of 2010.

Ironically, Serena’s similar fate befell Henin.  After being booted in the round of 16 at Roland Garros, Henin turned her focus to Wimbledon the underlying reason for her comeback.  With a title at a warm-up tournament before Wimbledon, Henin was a serious contender to capture the sole major which has eluded her. But, after easily carrying the first set against Kim Clijsters, Henin fell on her elbow and eventually loss in the round of 16.  What at first seemed an innocuous tumble prematurely terminated Henin’s year.

After being upended in the quarterfinals at the Australian Open by Na Li, Venus Williams caught a full head of steam and defended back to back titles in Dubai and Acapulco.  Then, Venus made the finals at the Sony Ericsson Open and the Mutua Madrilena Madrid Open.  Consequently, Venus’ ranking peaked at number two.  Days after celebrating her 30th birthday,  the five time Wimbledon champion stepped on the grass with high hopes for a sixth crown.  However, in the quarterfinals, Venus was sent packing by Tsvetana Pironkova.  Later at the U.S. Open, Williams watched an opportunity to advance to the final evaporate, going down to Clijsters.  Bothered by a knee issue, after New York, Venus sat out the remainder of the season.

No ifs and or buts, Clijsters is back.  After besting Henin in the Brisbane final, Clijsters rebounded from an early exit at the Australian Open by thrashing Venus in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open.  Although a foot injury prevented Clijsters from participating at the French Open, the following month the Belgian reached the semifinals at Wimbledon.  Subsequent to a sensational win in the final in Cincinnati, Clijsters repeated in New York and earned her third U.S. Open title.  Clijsters capped the year with the number three ranking and the WTA Championships trophy in Doha.

In placing one’s bet at the start of 2010, Maria Sharapova, Henin and Clijsters would have been regarded as the candidates likely to supplant Serena at number one.  Instead, Williams was toppled from that spot by a great Dane.  Last year, as a runner-up at the U.S. Open, Caroline Wozniacki demonstrated that she is a legitimate rival.  With Serena sidelined by injury, Wozniacki scaled up the ranking by winning six tour titles and making the finals in Indian Wells and Doha.

Despite being halted in the round of 16 at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, the quarterfinals at the French Open and the semifinals at the U.S. Open, consistency week in and week out was the key to Wozniacki taking over at number one.

Another individual who had a spring in her step in 2010 is Vera Zvonareva. The Russian followed her first major final at Wimbledon with another at the U.S. Open.  Although Zvonareva fell to Serena and Clijsters respectively, because of her phenomenal performance, Zvonareva shot up to the number two ranking.

Other names to come into the spotlight this season include twenty year old Petra Kvitova who stunned Victoria Azarenka and Wozniacki before being knocked out in the Wimbledon semifinals by Serena.  Along with Li, countrywoman Jie Zheng advanced to the semifinals at the Australian Open.  Perhaps the unlikeliest ones to rise above the fray were veterans Francesca Schiavone and Samantha Stosur.

After beating Henin, Serena and Jelena Jankovic at the French Open, 26 year old Stosur booked her maiden major final spot.  With a victory over Wozniacki in the quarterfinals, Schiavone sauntered into the French Open final as a result of Elena Dementieva retiring in the semifinals with a calf injury.  First time major finalist Schiavone took full advantage of her good fortune.  Less than a month prior to her 30th birthday, Schiavone prevailed over Stosur becoming the first Italian woman to win a major.

In doubles, Serena and Venus triumphed in the finals at the Australian and French Opens while Wimbledon and the U.S. Open were claimed by the new pair of Vania King and Yaroslava Shvedova.  The number one doubles team of Cara Black and Liezel Huber had an acrimonious divorce in April.  With the break up of Huber and Black and injuries affecting the Williams’, Flavia Pennetta and Gisela Dulko with six titles and the WTA Championships trophy ended the year as the top doubles team.

For the second consecutive year, Italy dismissed the U.S. to take the Federation Cup. Former French Open champion and world number one Ana Ivanovic redeemed her season by pocketing the Tournament of Champions trophy in Bali and reintegrating herself in the top twenty.  Nothing but bad news for former world number one Dinara Safina.  Limited by a back problem, Safina hardly played and finished the year ranked 63rd.

At the WTA championships, Dementieva dropped a bomb announcing her retirement after her last round robin match.  The 2008 Olympic gold medalist and two time major finalist felt at 29 years of age the time had arrived to seal this phase of her life and move on to another.

It is impossible to dissociate 2010 from 2011 with injury already a factor in the year to come.  With her foot still on the mend, Serena proclaimed she will not defend her Australian Open title.  As such, the first major of the year will be up for grabs.  Will Clijsters seize her first major other than the U.S. Open?  Can Wozniacki silence all doubters and show she really belongs at the top spot?  Will Zvonareva draw on the positives from 2010 and take the final step to the major’s winner circle?  Will it be Sharapova or Henin reliving their past success down under?  In contemplating the outcome of the Australian Open, the permutations seem infinite.  With all these questions, the first major portends that the upcoming season will be a fascinating one to follow.

After a poor showing in the first set, Caroline Wozniacki, the world number two, rallied to capture the trophy at the Toray Pan Pacific Open.  Wozniacki defeated Elena Dementieva, the seventh seed, 1-6,6-2,6-3 for her fifth title of the season.

With two winners, Dementieva opened the match with triple break point.  Despite Wozniacki getting to deuce, the Russian forced the errors to secure the break.  After easily consolidating, as Wozniacki’s backhand sailed long, Dementieva had double break point.  Dementieva capitalized when her opponent’s forehand traveled long.  Subsequent to a double break lead for 4-0, Dementieva took another game off Wozniacki to seal the set.

Since Dementieva got 94% of her first serves in play and with Wozniacki committing eleven errors while failing to connect on a single winner, a comfortable victory looked to be in store for the Russian.  Yet, when Dementieva sent a backhand down the line wide, the Dane had her first break point.  Although Dementieva bagged the game, Wozniacki telegraphed the message that she was not willing to fold.  Subsequent to her first comfortable hold, with Dementieva ahead 40-0, Wozniacki struck a forehand crosscourt winner, her first of the match, which turned out to be her wake up call.  By provoking two additional miscues from Dementieva, Wozniacki leveled the game at deuce.  Later, with a backhand crosscourt winner, Wozniacki obtained another break point and converted.  Next, thanks to Wozniacki’s mistakes, Dementieva had double break point.  However, the Dane recovered and extended her lead to 3-1.  With Dementieva serving at 2-4 and deuce, Wozniacki screamed while the ball was in the air thinking it would touch long. But, the stroke found the court.  Still, Dementieva was awarded the point because the umpire viewed Wozniacki’s outburst as a hindrance.  Disagreeing with the ruling, Wozniacki asked to chat with the supervisor; nonetheless, the call stood.  After dismissing the incident from her mind, Wozniacki pushed Dementieva into mistakes and stole the game for a 5-2 edge.  Then, the world number two closed out the second set and forced a third for the championship.

In the decisive set, a forehand winner gave Wozniacki her third break point in the third game.  Wozniacki made good when Dementieva dumped her backhand into the net.  Albeit, the lead was short-lived because Dementieva quickly equalized the set at 2 a piece.  A few games on, a Dementieva flub handed Wozniacki break point.  As a result of Dementieva backhand misfiring, Wozniacki pocketed the break for 4-3.  After readily consolidating, with a forehand crosscourt winner and a double fault donation from Dementieva, Wozniacki arrived at double championship point.  The Dane secured the title when Dementieva threw in her fourth double fault of the day.

In some respects, the match was similar to Pilot Pen semifinals whereby Wozniacki surrendered the first set 1-6 but edged out Dementieva in a third set tiebreaker.  After prevailing for her eleventh career prize, Wozniacki expressed that she was thrilled since Dementieva was “playing really well [in the first set] and didn’t let me in. . . [in the second set] I stepped it up . . .and with two close sets, I am happy standing here as the winner”.  With regards to the disputed call in the second set,  Wozniacki stated “I didn’t agree with the umpire, [but] I had to move on from there . . . The difference in the end was that I won the important points, [kept] fighting and [was] focused”.

With Serena Williams still sidelined by a foot injury and out of competition the next two weeks, Wozniacki could overtake her at number one.  Nevertheless, when asked whether this was in her thoughts, Wozniacki replied “I don’t look at the rankings too much.  I focus on winning tournaments, although it’s been [my] dream to be number one”.  Depending on her results at the upcoming events, Wozniacki has an excellent chance of realizing that dream.

For Maria Sharapova, the defending champion, Tokyo was gravely disappointing.  Sharapova was ousted in the first round by Kimiko Date Krumm and will slide significantly from number 15.  Jelena Jankovic, the third seed and finalist in 2009, was knocked out by Kaia Kanepi in the third round. Samantha Stosur, the fourth seed, also suffered an early second round exit.   Dementieva stopped second seed Vera Zvonareva in the quarterfinals.  Regardless, that showing was adequate for Zvonareva to book a spot in the Sony Ericsson championships at year’s end.