Five grand slam champions are looking for their old form
The WTA currently has an enormous power density, which makes women's tennis more attractive than ever. Outside the top 16, some big names are looking for the way back to the top of the world. Among them are five former Grand Slam Champions.
by Felix Lang
last edit: Jan 13, 2020, 03:50 pm
Australian Open as a springboard to a successful season
The Australian Open offers the perfect basis for all players to achieve their best performances and to be able to adjust mentally for the season. The entire organization enables players to focus solely on what they are there for: tennis!
Five big names who want to get involved again
# # IMG2
Angelique Kerber
Angelique Kerber can look back on three Grand Slam titles, is currently in 18th place and is working alongside her new trainer Dieter Kindlmann to regain her confidence and conviction. The defeat in the opening round against Sam Stosur at WTA Brisbane has shown that they have to lose their passivity and find their aggressive tennis again. It will be interesting to see what performance Kerber can call up at the Australian Open. If she finds her way back to her old strength, nothing stands in the way of reaching the second week.
# # Img3
Garbine Muguruza
Her biggest success was the triumph over Serena Williams in the French Open Finale 2016 and the victory over Venus Williams in the Wimbledon Finale 2017. What makes the already strong performance even more impressive - she won both finals without losing a set. She is the first player to defeat both Williams sisters in a grand slam final. After these successes, it was expected that Garbine Muguruza would play a major role in women's tennis in the future. So far, however, it has not been able to build on these successes. The 26-year-old is currently number 35 in the world and has a strong trainer at her side with Conchita Martinez. If she finds her way back to her powerful power tennis, Muguruza can go far.
# # IMG4
Jelena Ostapenko
The Latvian is a concentrated bundle of power and if she can call on her performance, it is very difficult to come up against it. She won the French Open 2017 in a gripping final against Simona Halep. Since Marion Bartoli is at her side as a trainer, things are looking up again with Jelena Ostapenko . She can currently be found at number 45 in the world. In October 2019 she was able to celebrate another title after two years. She won the WTA tournament in Luxembourg against Julia Görges .
"Sometimes I can get negative if things don't go in my direction," said Ostapenko. "Bartoli supports me so much and brings so many positive things and just tries to keep me as positive as possible."
# # Img5
Venus Williams
At 39, she is not too far from the end of a career, but still plays with the world leaders at eye level. It is the fourth decade that Venus Williams' career has left its mark. Only very few athletes can say that. It would not be wise to not have her on your list due to your current world ranking position 56, because the American has a very large wealth of experience that she will try to incorporate into her game. If she manages to keep the points short and uncompromising, she is also a candidate for the second week!
# # IMG6
Maria Sharapova
The Russian, plagued by many injuries, only played 15 games last season and has ended Saionson at record low since 2002 with 131st place in the world. But everyone who knows Maria Sharapova's career knows that you can never write it off.
"I have goals and dreams for life after tennis, but I still have the inner fire and motivation," said Sharapova in Brisbane.
The Russian is the perfect choice for a wildcard!