I dare to be so bold as to predict the year of the WTA, knowing the history of their inconsistency. I think this year will be the year of new players breaking out, with Simona Halep, and Genie Bouchard leading the way. However, the likes of Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams will be sitting at the top, defending their crowns. My prediction is that Miss Williams, and Miss Sharapova will both win one Slam this year, although I am not bold enough to predict which of the four Grand Slams they will be at. This leaves two more slams up for grabs, and I like the look of Caroline Wozniacki being a contender. Ever since her spilt with Rory Mcllory she has been playing unbelievable tennis, the same level that saw her reach world number 1 in 2010. If she can continuously play like she did against Sharapova in their Us Open thriller this year, then she has a realistic shot at holding one of those glorious trophies. Even with a 1-10 Head to Head with Serena, she still has what it takes to take her down, if it would be her against the net from Caroline in any of the slams. Excluding their meeting at the Us Open in the final this year, the past 3 of their matches have gone the distance, where in each one of those matches saw Caro win the first set, and being up a break in either the second set or in the third set. If Wozniacki can find a way to hold her nerves better, then she has what it takes to cause a huge upset on her BFF.
At the age of 23 Simona Halep has already made her way into a Grand Slam final, and has been as high as number 2 in the world. Each year she has been greatly improving, and 2015 should be no different. Although she is not centre of attention for most people, her achievements should not go unnoticed. Simona was able to push Sharapova to 2 tough 3 setters, both in the finals (Madrid and Roland Garros). In her first year end championship she was able to defeat Genie in her first match in straight sets. The biggest shock was her destroying Serena Williams 6-2,6-0 in their round robin match, marking the first time since she was 16 that Serena could only win 2 games in a match. Simona's year should be looked at very highly from everyone, as she was able to also defeat players such as Kerber, Ivanovic, Kvitova and Lisicki. If she continues at this pace, 2015 could be the year she holds her first Grand Slam trophy.
The resurgence of Ana Ivanovic has been the talk of the tennis world this year, with her defeat over Serena Williams at the Australian Open, to her wins over Sharapova. She has played some epic tennis this season, though inconsistency will be her major struggle, as she's already proved she can beat any tennis player, on any given day. Look for her to be challenging the games top players in the top tournaments.
Genie Bouchard has a lot of talent, and has had incredible results for most of the year, although after that Wimbledon defeat, it all came crashing down for the 20-year old. If Genie can find her form that saw her challenge the likes of Serena Williams, and Li Na, as well as defeating players like Ivanovic, Kerber, Halep and Wozniacki, then she should kick off the 2015 season as well as she did this year. We have to remember that this was her first full year on the WTA tour, and made the semi-final of the Australian Open during her first visit there. Genie matched that round at the French Open before suffering a third set lost to Sharapova, the eventual champion. She reached the final of Wimbledon, and was blown off the court, and optimality taking her confidence with her. Even with her spilt from Nick Saviano, her coach since she was 12, no one should underestimate the Canadian, and what she can produce on the court. I'm looking for her to break through at the Slams again in the upcoming year.
On any given day the under dog can gain the inspiration to take down the games best players, and I think it will be the younger generation giving their idols a run for their money. I do think Vika can win some titles if she finds her form, though I can't see her being consistent for the entire year. Hopefully Aga can find her 2012/2013 form and break into the top 5 again, after having a below-par season by her standards.
2015 should be a great year of tennis, and definitely be a defining one for many of the player's careers.
