Emerging WTA Players in 2011 Part I
Many fresh players emerge from the first Grand Slam of the year, choosing to make their debuts at a time during which the entire world is expecting wonders from tennis pros after a break from the sport. Let’s take a look at some
of the female tennis players who are expected to deliver considerable results this year, based on their performances so far.
Sorana Cirstea (Romania)
Although this player is only 20 years old, she has achieved a considerable amount of success despite her age. Cirstea already has a total of four tennis tournament singles titles under her belt. Even more impressively, one of these
titles is from WTA events. The player is currently World Number 91, and has beaten players such as World Number 1 Caroline Wozniacki. Wins such as these occurred at the 2009 French Open, when Cirstea managed to reach the quarterfinals before being eliminated.
Despite her immense potential, Cirstea made the mistake of changing her game drastically and hesitating on shot choices and playing styles. Therefore, she has had trouble with finding her niche and building a solid, winning style.
However, her main problem is finding the right coach; once she manages to do so, a top ten position should not be a problem for Cirstea.
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (Russia)
This 19 year old player has one specific trait which sets her apart from her opponents; she can use a serve, a forehand and a backhand with amazing skill. While most players master just one, she seems equally capable of using all
three against her opponents with devastating results. Currently World Number 21, Pavlyuchenkova’s immediate focus should be preparation for the Grand Slams in order to establish herself as a major contender in the tennis world. Her ambition and confidence
should lead her to success within this year.
Andrea Petkovic (Germany)
Currently World Number 23, this German player has improved substantially over the past two years. Her major pros are her physical fitness, the tough struggle which she forces her rivals to undergo and the deadly first serve she
subjects opponents to. One of her failings is an inability to keep her own emotions in check during a match. Her second serve also needs some improvement to add variety to her game, which can sometimes be predictable.
Yanina Wickmayer (Belgium)
Wickmayer has been completely overshadowed by tennis superstars Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters, but has been making gradual improvement. She even reached the semifinals of the 2009 US Open, although 2010 was a low point for her.
Despite this, the World Number 25 still has the potential to perform very well in 2011. She must advance her game and add more variety to her shots; with the element of surprise on her side, she can easily become a threat for some of the best players.
Petra Kvitova (Czechoslovakia)
Kvitova is similar to Pavlyuchenkova, because both players have a well-rounded and complete style of play. Currently World Number 18, the young player can rely on her complete game for good results; she even managed to reach the
2010 Wimbledon semi-finals, before being taken down by eventual champion Serena Williams.
When in form, Kvitova plays spectacular tennis. Her first serve is overwhelming and the flat shots she plays have a reputation of making her a difficult person to contend with. The 20 year old player has already become a tough
player to handle, and she is expected to improve further.
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