Her opponent is the world number 2 Her losing is reasonable, and she kinda put on a tight match, so it's great
The ranking is irrelevant. It's known that Radwanska is not 100% coming into this tournament and she hasn't had the best US Open series while Jankovic made it to the finals of Dallas and was coming into this match with some momentum. It's great she was able to keep up, but she had the match on her racquet, she just couldn't outmaneuver Aggie
I don't think Kerber's overrated at all. Besides Radwanska she gets the most abuse amongst the top players (Errani doesn't count ) just because she's not a ballbasher. She's already beaten Sharapova and Serena this year so that statement is an epic fail. I'm pretty sure that Azarenka is the only top player she hasn't beaten. So many people think she's going to burn out, but she's playing really good tennis right now so there's no point looking too far beyond that.
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Originally posted by RatedG²
I think she's overrated as hell, I mean I like her now but she's nowhere as good as her results are showing. It's just that atm the WTA is in a weak spot, the legends and greats are retiring while the young ones aren't stepping up to the plate yet. The only exception is that Serena is still playing great tennis 15 years into her career, BUT she was definitely worn out and tired during her last match with Kerber, the reason she lost. She's taking advantage of a weak field with no clear cut dominating forces like most of the past years had.
Serena makes it through . Sad Jankovic had a big letdown, but whatever
I think the tour is in the best position it's been in since Henin retired. We have numerous players in the top ten who are performing well on a consistent basis. There's no single dominant player (although a case could be made for Serena), but there's a handful of players in contention at the majors and I think it's becoming more competitive at the top level. 09-11 were the worst years for the tour IMO. If you look at the players in contention for Istanbul this year, it's a very strong field. The only potential weak-link being Errani if she makes it. Everyone has their own opinions but I really think the tour is moving in the right direction. 2013 should be a great year.
I don't think Kerber's overrated at all. Besides Radwanska she gets the most abuse amongst the top players (Errani doesn't count ) just because she's not a ballbasher. She's already beaten Sharapova and Serena this year so that statement is an epic fail. I'm pretty sure that Azarenka is the only top player she hasn't beaten. So many people think she's going to burn out, but she's playing really good tennis right now so there's no point looking too far beyond that.
I think the tour is in the best position it's been in since Henin retired. We have numerous players in the top ten who are performing well on a consistent basis. There's no single dominant player (although a case could be made for Serena), but there's a handful of players in contention at the majors and I think it's becoming more competitive at the top level. 09-11 were the worst years for the tour IMO. If you look at the players in contention for Istanbul this year, it's a very strong field. The only potential weak-link being Errani if she makes it. Everyone has their own opinions but I really think the tour is moving in the right direction. 2013 should be a great year.
She gets the abuse because it's much deserved tbh. Nothing about her game is special at all, well except that she's a really efficient mover. But not all of the top 10 players are ball bashers, Li for example is not one and she gets plenty of praise. I even liked Wozniacki more before she dropped from the top 10 because she had at least a game to hamper opponents, Kerber doesn't have that type of game. She's beaten Sharpaova this year, which may be her only impressive win of the year (the other one might be beating Wozniacki @ Cophenhagan because she was undefeated there before) but beating Serena wasn't really big at that time. She won her last 31 of 32 at the time, was on an 18 match win streak (or 19) and was playing tennis week in and week out, the first time she's done that since probably 2008. She's also 31 and well past her prime (well she's past her prime tennis, but in this case I'm talking her body) so playing that much tennis and winning that much since probably 2002 at that age for those many weeks in a row of winning, it's hard to keep up the momentum. She was also fragile the whole tournament so all you needed was someone slightly better than a scrub to beat her. That week even Sharapova or Azarenka would've beaten her for the first time in years.
Eh, I like it when you have dominant players because it has some order and champions/rivalries are created that way. But to each his/her own. I do think 2013 will be a great year, just it won't ever be as good as the golden years of tennis, from 2000-2007ish. It was a good mix of different people winning, but you had top 10 dominance, not a top 10 player losing to a player outside the top 100
She gets the abuse because it's much deserved tbh. Nothing about her game is special at all, well except that she's a really efficient mover. But not all of the top 10 players are ball bashers, Li for example is not one and she gets plenty of praise. I even liked Wozniacki more before she dropped from the top 10 because she had at least a game to hamper opponents, Kerber doesn't have that type of game. She's beaten Sharpaova this year, which may be her only impressive win of the year (the other one might be beating Wozniacki @ Cophenhagan because she was undefeated there before) but beating Serena wasn't really big at that time. She won her last 31 of 32 at the time, was on an 18 match win streak (or 19) and was playing tennis week in and week out, the first time she's done that since probably 2008. She's also 31 and well past her prime (well she's past her prime tennis, but in this case I'm talking her body) so playing that much tennis and winning that much since probably 2002 at that age for those many weeks in a row of winning, it's hard to keep up the momentum. She was also fragile the whole tournament so all you needed was someone slightly better than a scrub to beat her. That week even Sharapova or Azarenka would've beaten her for the first time in years.
Eh, I like it when you have dominant players because it has some order and champions/rivalries are created that way. But to each his/her own. I do think 2013 will be a great year, just it won't ever be as good as the golden years of tennis, from 2000-2007ish. It was a good mix of different people winning, but you had top 10 dominance, not a top 10 player losing to a player outside the top 100
Kerber has much more in her repertoire than Wozniacki. Caroline has plummeted down the rankings this year because she has no finishing shots. She relies solely on her consistency. It was enough when the competition was weaker, but she's taken so many lashing this year she has no confidence left. Angelique has beaten Kvitova on a number of occasions this year, she does what she has to do to win a match. I do think she has a lot to work on, but I think her tenacity is second to none and that will take her far. If she improves her serve then I can see her winning majors. She's a little too defensive at times, but she's more than capable of being offensive. She blew Wozniacki off the court in Stuttgart. She plays measured, intelligent tennis. She hasn't won the most matches this year for no reason.
I agree, but at least things are picking up again. Considering how bad things were at certain intervals during the past three years, I think 2012 has been a really good season tennis wise. as long as more stars continue to come through then the future is bright. Robson is the first of the new wave.
Kerber has much more in her repertoire than Wozniacki. Caroline has plummeted down the rankings this year because she has no finishing shots. She relies solely on her consistency. It was enough when the competition was weaker, but she's taken so many lashing this year she has no confidence left. Angelique has beaten Kvitova on a number of occasions this year, she does what she has to do to win a match. I do think she has a lot to work on, but I think her tenacity is second to none and that will take her far. If she improves her serve then I can see her winning majors. She's a little too defensive at times, but she's more than capable of being offensive. She blew Wozniacki off the court in Stuttgart. She plays measured, intelligent tennis. She hasn't won the most matches this year for no reason.
I agree, but at least things are picking up again. Considering how bad things were at certain intervals during the past three years, I think 2012 has been a really good season tennis wise. as long as more stars continue to come through then the future is bright. Robson is the first of the new wave.
Oh, I forgot Kerber did beat Petra a few times this year, notably in the US Open series . I dunno, Caroline you're right about no finishing shots, but I feel like she plays defense better because she has anticipatoni AND footspeed, while Kerber has only anticipation, but that's more important in tennis anyway so that's not really a problem. Kerber is like a less refinied Radwanska in my opinion, which is why I prefer Aggie to Kerber and although she's a more refined Wozniacki, I feel like Wozniacki has gotten better results with less to work with, another reason why I...think highly of Wozniacki more. You don't become number one for 67 weeks by accident.
Damn Kerber stomped on Wozniacki . Any matchup vs a defensive player and I'll give Kerber the edge, she's closet to an all court player (without the volleys) so she could cause more troubles than a normal defensive player.
I do think Robson is finally coming out of her shell, Stephens too (although the same was saidfor Oudin in 2009 and look where she is now) so I won't take these results with too much weight until I see how Robson does in future tournaments. If she can stay consistent, then she's definitely a GS conteneder in a few years time. Also, you wouldn't consider Kvitova, Azarenka, or Wozniacki part of the new wave? I mean they are all in their early 20s, I think Kvitova is still 20 so they will be around for at least a decade if they stay winning
Oh well as long as Murray is still in, Djokovic won't have an easy tournament (although he has BY FAR the easiest draw of the top players).
You think Murray being in will make Nole's tournament less easy?
If he is playing SO tightly against Lopez, how on earth is he gonna bring anything against Novak?
I knew she had potential in her after seeing her and Hradecka play the Williams Sisters in Wimbledon this year. I hope she makes it far in singles like she is doing in doubles . Well she won't make it far at the US Open since she plays Serena next but I hope she makes it far as in, top 20 by the end of next year
Oh, I forgot Kerber did beat Petra a few times this year, notably in the US Open series . I dunno, Caroline you're right about no finishing shots, but I feel like she plays defense better because she has anticipatoni AND footspeed, while Kerber has only anticipation, but that's more important in tennis anyway so that's not really a problem. Kerber is like a less refinied Radwanska in my opinion, which is why I prefer Aggie to Kerber and although she's a more refined Wozniacki, I feel like Wozniacki has gotten better results with less to work with, another reason why I...think highly of Wozniacki more. You don't become number one for 67 weeks by accident.
Damn Kerber stomped on Wozniacki . Any matchup vs a defensive player and I'll give Kerber the edge, she's closet to an all court player (without the volleys) so she could cause more troubles than a normal defensive player.
I do think Robson is finally coming out of her shell, Stephens too (although the same was saidfor Oudin in 2009 and look where she is now) so I won't take these results with too much weight until I see how Robson does in future tournaments. If she can stay consistent, then she's definitely a GS conteneder in a few years time. Also, you wouldn't consider Kvitova, Azarenka, or Wozniacki part of the new wave? I mean they are all in their early 20s, I think Kvitova is still 20 so they will be around for at least a decade if they stay winning
I think Aga and Angie are similar in some ways too, but Angelique puts much more on the ball. She hits the ball much harder than people realise. I don't think Angelique's defensive skills are as good as either Wozniacki or Radwanska, but because she's hits the ball harder and anticipates well she doesn't tend to lose her court positioning. I definitely think she belongs in the top ten, and I think she could stay there for a while especially with her work ethic. My main concern as a fan were the finals she lost in Eastbourne and Cincinnati. She was in control on both occasions and totally lost the plot. Sometimes she becomes much too withdrawn and steps back rather than stepping forward. She's an all court player, but she's new to winning so it's going to take her a while to figure things out. Her tactics will vary going forward, you have to go with what's working.
Stephens has top 20 potential, possibly more if she gets her head together. I thought Babos was going to climb the rankings rapidly this year but she's lost so many close matches. I think a lot of the younger players are waiting for their big break. I'd consider Wozniacki, Azeranka and Kvitova as part of the current generation. They're obviously young, but not young enough to be consider a "new" talent. We need more teenagers to break through.
I think Aga and Angie are similar in some ways too, but Angelique puts much more on the ball. She hits the ball much harder than people realise. I don't think Angelique's defensive skills are as good as either Wozniacki or Radwanska, but because she's hits the ball harder and anticipates well she doesn't tend to lose her court positioning. I definitely think she belongs in the top ten, and I think she could stay there for a while especially with her work ethic. My main concern as a fan were the finals she lost in Eastbourne and Cincinnati. She was in control on both occasions and totally lost the plot. Sometimes she becomes much too withdrawn and steps back rather than stepping forward. She's an all court player, but she's new to winning so it's going to take her a while to figure things out. Her tactics will vary going forward, you have to go with what's working.
Stephens has top 20 potential, possibly more if she gets her head together. I thought Babos was going to climb the rankings rapidly this year but she's lost so many close matches. I think a lot of the younger players are waiting for their big break. I'd consider Wozniacki, Azeranka and Kvitova as part of the current generation. They're obviously young, but not young enough to be consider a "new" talent. We need more teenagers to break through.
Yeah Angelique hits the ball much harder than people realize, it's not top notch speed but when she's in position, she will crush the ball with pinpoint accuracy as well. Now that I delve more into her game I don't think she's overrated, but because of some profile wins (namely Venus) people tend to overestimate how much she can do. She's good but just because you beat a well-past-her-prime Venus doesn't mean you're somehow the second coming of Jesus. She's good but I wouldn't say she's top 5 material just yet. Her stamina doesn't seem as good as it should be and that might've happened because she's played (and won) by far the most matches of anyone this year.
Babos? Timea Babos? I haven't heard much from her, maybe it was because she lost her confidence after losing close matches. Stephens could possibly crack the top 10 in a few years once she matures and stops her streaky play. If she could focus more on her groundstrokes and not what happens outside of her control I could see her making the second week of slams on a regular basis.
So young as in 17-very early 20s? I see, I guess they can be called that but the only ones that will be making any sort of impact I can see now are Stephens and Robson. I hope we get more young players too because these older stars are still dominating and it seems like once they retire, the whole WTA will be a wreck
Yeah Angelique hits the ball much harder than people realize, it's not top notch speed but when she's in position, she will crush the ball with pinpoint accuracy as well. Now that I delve more into her game I don't think she's overrated, but because of some profile wins (namely Venus) people tend to overestimate how much she can do. She's good but just because you beat a well-past-her-prime Venus doesn't mean you're somehow the second coming of Jesus. She's good but I wouldn't say she's top 5 material just yet. Her stamina doesn't seem as good as it should be and that might've happened because she's played (and won) by far the most matches of anyone this year.
Babos? Timea Babos? I haven't heard much from her, maybe it was because she lost her confidence after losing close matches. Stephens could possibly crack the top 10 in a few years once she matures and stops her streaky play. If she could focus more on her groundstrokes and not what happens outside of her control I could see her making the second week of slams on a regular basis.
So young as in 17-very early 20s? I see, I guess they can be called that but the only ones that will be making any sort of impact I can see now are Stephens and Robson. I hope we get more young players too because these older stars are still dominating and it seems like once they retire, the whole WTA will be a wreck
Her stamina is questionable, but I do think it's because of poor scheduling. That just comes down to a lack of experience. I know she's 24, but she's new to top level tennis. I'd imagine she'll play far less next year, or else there is a strong possibility she'll burn out. You can't play week in week out and expect to go deep in the draws. Bartoli plays way too often, but she loses so many first round matches it's the only way she can keep her ranking up.
Yep, Timea. I haven't really seen much of her but I have liked what I've seen. I think Robson will be the Kerber of the 2012/13 season if she can stay healthy and continues to work hard. She's been hyped for years so it's nice to see her delivering. Stephens is constantly improving and moving up the rankings, I think she'll break into the top 20 next year at this pace. Ashleigh Barty and Taylor Townsend are both talked up a lot. It will be interesting to see how they transition from the junior tour. They're only 16. Eugenie Bouchard has potential too.
Her stamina is questionable, but I do think it's because of poor scheduling. That just comes down to a lack of experience. I know she's 24, but she's new to top level tennis. I'd imagine she'll play far less next year, or else there is a strong possibility she'll burn out. You can't play week in week out and expect to go deep in the draws. Bartoli plays way too often, but she loses so many first round matches it's the only way she can keep her ranking up.
Yep, Timea. I haven't really seen much of her but I have liked what I've seen. I think Robson will be the Kerber of the 2012/13 season if she can stay healthy and continues to work hard. She's been hyped for years so it's nice to see her delivering. Stephens is constantly improving and moving up the rankings, I think she'll break into the top 20 next year at this pace. Ashleigh Barty and Taylor Townsend are both talked up a lot. It will be interesting to see how they transition from the junior tour. They're only 16. Eugenie Bouchard has potential too.
I feel like that's what happened with Wozniacki and why she's now on the decline. She was winning close to 60+ matches the past few years with a slew of titles to go along with it and she held onto that number 1 ranking with an iron grip but she never scheduled herself well. She would always play the tournament right before a major, like Brussels and New Haven (which I think is stupid, you wanna be fresh) and because of that, she was never in peak form for the majors. I think Kerber will actually win a few slams in her career actually, a few now but most after Serena retires in a few years, not sure if she can any more than 5 years.
Robson actually could be the Kerber next year. I still haven't seen her play except at the Olympics but she has gotten great results. Stephens could actually crack the top 20 imo around the summer of next year and if she still improves, top 10 in about 2 years time. She is consistently making second weeks at the slams so it's not out of the question that she'll also win slams in a few years.
Townsend and Bouchard I saw play once, they have great potential. Not sure if they'll make any impact but I hope they don't falter under the pressure.
i just realized we wrote paragraph after paragraph of tennis
I really hope Ana can make the QF. Her forehand is still one of the best in the game, if she had more mental fortitude then she'd still be a top 5 player. The game is still there.
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Originally posted by RatedG²
I feel like that's what happened with Wozniacki and why she's now on the decline. She was winning close to 60+ matches the past few years with a slew of titles to go along with it and she held onto that number 1 ranking with an iron grip but she never scheduled herself well. She would always play the tournament right before a major, like Brussels and New Haven (which I think is stupid, you wanna be fresh) and because of that, she was never in peak form for the majors. I think Kerber will actually win a few slams in her career actually, a few now but most after Serena retires in a few years, not sure if she can any more than 5 years.
Robson actually could be the Kerber next year. I still haven't seen her play except at the Olympics but she has gotten great results. Stephens could actually crack the top 20 imo around the summer of next year and if she still improves, top 10 in about 2 years time. She is consistently making second weeks at the slams so it's not out of the question that she'll also win slams in a few years.
Townsend and Bouchard I saw play once, they have great potential. Not sure if they'll make any impact but I hope they don't falter under the pressure.
i just realized we wrote paragraph after paragraph of tennis
I don't think playing the tournament before a major is a big issue. Henin and Clijsters used to do it quite regularly and it didn't affect them too badly. Some players tend to fare better going into a major with more matches under their belt. New Haven has always been Caroline's best event, and I think her success at the USO over the past few years was largely boosted by the confidence she had going into it on the back of her New Haven titles. Kerber hit 20 winners and 5 unforced errors in her match yesterday. Outstanding stats. She's not a pusher like Caroline so that's why I don't think she'll burn out, she's a counter-puncher.
I really hope Laura wins today. I bet against her in her last two matches and she won, hopefully she won't lose today when I'm backing her to win.
Her losing is reasonable, and she kinda put on a tight match, so it's great
) just because she's not a ballbasher. She's already beaten Sharapova and Serena this year so that statement is an epic fail. I'm pretty sure that Azarenka is the only top player she hasn't beaten. So many people think she's going to burn out, but she's playing really good tennis right now so there's no point looking too far beyond that. 
. Sad Jankovic had a big letdown, but whatever
So sad for him. Such a tight match.
. I dunno, Caroline you're right about no finishing shots, but I feel like she plays defense better because she has anticipatoni AND footspeed, while Kerber has only anticipation, but that's more important in tennis anyway so that's not really a problem. Kerber is like a less refinied Radwanska in my opinion, which is why I prefer Aggie to Kerber and although she's a more refined Wozniacki, I feel like Wozniacki has gotten better results with less to work with, another reason why I...think highly of Wozniacki more. You don't become number one for 67 weeks by accident.
. Any matchup vs a defensive player and I'll give Kerber the edge, she's closet to an all court player (without the volleys) so she could cause more troubles than a normal defensive player.
