Emerging WTA Players in 2011 Part II
Alexandra Dulgheru (Romania)
This Romanian player is slowly advancing up the charts and making herself a known tennis player on the Women’s Tennis Association. Although some critics refer to her style as plain, nondescript and altogether nothing out of the
ordinary, her consistency has earned her the World Number 28 spot.
One of Dulgheru’s greatest pros is her great physical shape. She has a lot of heart, and will fight out matches which many other players would give up in. While she can be a challenging player, she lacks the proper offense required
to properly confront her opponents. Her serve is another area which requires considerable improvement.
If Dulgheru focuses on her style and changes her game substantially, she may become one of the more dangerous players on the circuit. Until then, she will retain her spot as a decent Top 50 player.
Sabine Lisicki (Germany)
Lisicki’s first major breakthrough was back in 2008, the year in which she first impressed fans and fellow players with her game. She defeated Dinara Safina in her first tournament, the Australian Open. Although Safina is no longer
in form, she was on top in 2008 and besting her was a considerable achievement.
Uptil then, the German 19-year-old was virtually unknown. She suddenly came to attention, and despite her third round elimination Lisicki managed to establish herself as a serious tennis player. Now 21 years old, Lisicki’s served
is considered to be at par with that of the Williams sisters. She also left a trail of destruction in her wake in 2009, when she made headlines by defeating Venus at Charleston. In addition to this, she won the entire tournament with her defeat of current
World Number 1 Caroline Wozniacki.
She also reached the quarterfinals of the 2009 Wimbledon Championships, and stopped just short of breaking into the Top 20. However, she has suffered from injuries in 2010, and they have forced her to drop out of the top 100 players.
Despite this, she has been making steady progress and is expected to make a grand comeback within this year, probably on the grass courts of the All England Club.
Julia Goerges (Germany)
World Number 35 Julia Goerges has defeated players such as Ana Ivanovic, Dinara Safina and Samantha Stosur. This impressive resume of defeats proves that she is capable of breaking into the Top Ten, and of becoming a considerable
threat for winning players. Last year, the 22 year old player took away her first WTA tour title at Bad Gastain, and reached the Luxembourg final as well.
Goerges has an aggressive game, and her biggest asset is her forehand. However, her backhand and footwork need considerable improvement to help her through Grand Slams.
Jarmila Groth (Australia)
This 23 year old player has already stated her determination to make it to the top 15 in 2011, and she has a great shot at achieving this target. With a few adjustments to her playing style, she could easily become one of the best
players on the WTA. Currently World Number 30, her strong point is her winners, and her best shots are her backhands. One of the reasons for her relatively low ranking is that she has not yet beaten a Top 20 player; in order to improve her chances, she must
play in bigger tournaments such as Key Biscayne. This will give her exposure to the top seeds, as well as a chance to beat them.
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