|
January 4, 2004
ATP 2004 YEAR-END RANKING PREDICTIONS
|
| RANK |
PLAYER |
THE SKINNY |
|
1. |
Roger Federer |
When his game is on, one can only think
of the words of MC Hammer: Can't Touch This. |
|
2. |
Juan Carlos Ferrero |
The game's best from the ground, should another Roland
Garros title and his continued strong hardcourt play
will cement this Spaniard among the Top 3. |
|
3. |
Andy Roddick |
Can he repeat his incredible 2003 second-half
run? No way. But under Gilbert "The Great Hope of
Tennis" won't have another sub-par first-half. |
|
4. |
Guillermo Coria |
Has the talent to contend for Slam titles
and for No. 1, but young players usually don't respond
well to marriage, especially when they are from Argentina.
The big breakout will have to wait. |
|
5. |
Lleyton Hewitt |
Davis Cup proved he still has the heart
of a lion and the fire to win. Now if he would only play
a few more events he could quickly return among the game's
elite. C'mon. |
|
6. |
Tim Henman |
Armed with a healthy shoulder and a new
playbook courtesy of Paul Annacone, the serve-and-volley
routine will continue to reap rewards. |
|
7. |
Rainer Schuettler |
German ironman plays a consistent, low risk
game that will get him far in most events, but not far
enough for a Top 5 finish. |
|
8. |
David Nalbandian |
Has the game, the fire and the attitude
that could lead to a Slam win and a spot among the final
Top 3. But a bum wrist makes him a risky pick. |
|
9. |
Andre Agassi |
Will add a few more titles to his resume,
but the Slam victories are over. Of course, that's been
written many many times before only to be proven wrong
in the end. |
|
10. |
Carlos Moya |
The former No. 1 should enjoy another solid
season, but his best tennis may be behind him. |
| |
|
|
WTA TOUR 2004
YEAR-END RANKING PREDICTIONS
|
| RANK |
PLAYER |
THE SKINNY |
|
1. |
Justine Henin |
Will be tough to repeat
two Slam titles but her No. 1 finish in 2003 should keep
her confidence sky high. |
|
2. |
Kim Clijsters |
The soon-to-be Mrs. Hewitt
will win her fair share of events and may even pick up
a first Slam, but a lack of mental toughness will keep
her from the top spot. |
|
3. |
Serena Williams |
Sister Serena is about
to find out that in tennis you can't take seven months
off and expect an immediate return to the top. Remember,
even when she was playing well in 2003, it wasn't like
she was cruising to victory over her top foes. |
|
4. |
Amelie Mauresmo |
It's time for the Frenchwoman
to make use of all her weapons, beat Kim and finally become
a serious contender for the top spot. |
|
5. |
Venus Williams |
Will return to the Top
5, where she really belongs, but like her sister, a lot
will depend on off court interferences and motivation. |
|
6. |
Anastasia Myskina |
The Russian, who has quietly
risen up the ranks, should finally breakthrough for a
big Slam result. |
|
7. |
Jennifer Capriati |
J-cap is still chugging
along, but no longer has the game to get past the top
players, especially Venus. |
|
8. |
Elena Dementieva |
Her good finish to 2003
should carryover into more positive results in the coming
year. |
|
9. |
Lindsay Davenport |
Injuries will be the key
for the aging Davenport. |
|
10. |
Maria Sharapova |
The "New Anna"
looks to figure among the Top 10. Plus, always bet on
the player who grunts the loudest. Can you hear me now? |
2004 GRAND SLAM PREDICTIONS
|
|
Australian Open |
Roger Federer defeats Andy Roddick |
| Justine Henin defeats
Amelie Mauresmo |
|
French Open |
Juan Carlos Ferrero defeats Guillermo Coria |
| Kim Clijsters defeats Justine Henin |
|
Wimbledon |
Roger Federer defeats Andy Roddick |
| Serena Williams defeats
Justine Henin |
|
US Open |
David Nalbandian defeats Lleyton Hewitt |
| Justine Henin defeats Kim Clijsters |
