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| Not that we bet, but in case you do here are our thoughts
on what looks to be an exciting 2003 in the world of pro
tennis. |
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December 27, 2002
ATP 2003 YEAR-END RANKING PREDICTIONS
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| RANK |
PLAYER |
THE SKINNY |
|
1. |
Lleyton Hewitt |
Still the man, er kid, to beat, and at crunch
time he remains head and shoulders above the rest. |
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2. |
Marat Safin |
Will claim some major titles but inconsitent
play/desire/heart continues to keep the Russian from a
year-end No. 1 finish. |
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3. |
Roger Federer |
The Swiss star should continue his rise
behind his solid all-court play and improved performance
during the U.S. summer swing and in the Slams. |
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4. |
Tim Henman |
His serve-and-volley should annoy and beffudle
opponents enough for a Top 5 finish. |
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5. |
Carlos Moya |
"King Carlos" came on strong in
2002 and found form, a Slam title at Roland Garros and
a return to No. 1 could be in the cards. |
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6. |
Juan Carlos Ferrero |
A solid clay season and good hardcourt play
makes this Spaniard a Top 10 stalwart, though a Slam title
run will have to wait yet another year. |
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7. |
Andre Agassi |
With contemporaries Sampras and Chang on
the way out, this charismatic champion is now the elderstatesmen
of the game, a role he will not cherish as his aging body
will further limit his game. |
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8. |
Gustavo Kuerten |
"Guga" will start the year slow
but make a nice recovery following an injury-riddled 2002
and vault back into the Top 10 to earn the last spot at
the TMC Houston. |
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9. |
Andy Roddick |
Should improve upon his poor '02 Slam play
but injuries and pressure will interfere with higher aspirations. |
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10. |
Guillermo Canas |
As long as he stays injury-free, this indefatigable
Argentine figures to be a major factor on all surfaces
in 2003. |
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WTA TOUR 2003
YEAR-END RANKING PREDICTIONS
|
| RANK |
PLAYER |
THE SKINNY |
|
1. |
Serena Williams |
McDonalds commercials,
TV cameos, what's next? How about another No. 1 finish
for this dominating diva. |
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2. |
Venus Williams |
May be able to collect
a Slam over younger sis, but that's it. |
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3. |
Lindsay Davenport |
The elder lady of the game
continues climb off the heels of her successful comeback
last summer. |
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4. |
Jennifer Capriati |
We've probably seen the
best Jenny Cap has to offer, but she remains a force on
the Tour. |
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5. |
Kim Clijsters |
Consistent play keeps this
Belgian among the Top 10 all year. |
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6. |
Amelie Mauresmo |
Injuries continue to plague
this Frenchwomen, though they should abate enough to allow
for another solid year and deep Slam play. |
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7. |
Jelena Dokic |
Off court distractions
continue to hold her back from Top 5, but the game is
solid and as she grows she continues to get stronger. |
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8. |
Daniela Hantuchova |
The "New Anna"
will go against the grain and unlike the real Anna, win
titles; just not the big ones...yet. |
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9. |
Anastasia Myskina |
Another Russian on the
rise, what's new? Look for the 21-year-old to turn even
more heads at the Slams, where she'll do her most damage. |
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10. |
Monica Seles |
Somehow this 29-year-old
continues to be a force, can we all agree that it's the
grunts? |
2003 GRAND SLAM PREDICTIONS
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|
Australian Open |
Marat Safin defeats Lleyton Hewitt |
| Serena Williams defeats
Lindsay Davenport |
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French Open |
Carlos Moya defeats Gustavo Kuerten |
| Serena Williams defeats Venus Williams |
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Wimbledon |
Lleyton Hewitt defeats Tim Henman |
| Venus Williams defeats
Kim Clijsters |
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US Open |
Lleyton Hewitt defeats Marat Safin |
| Serena Williams defeats Jennifer Capriati |
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