Final Round-up: Highlights of Tennis in 2010 Part I
2010 was, on the whole, a quieter season in the tennis world. There were no major controversies or drama for fans or critics to sink their teeth into, and the year passed with more headlines than hype. Events which eclipsed the news were related to conquests
on the court, with Rafael Nadal’s US Open victory being a prime example.
This list numbers 10 things which made a difference to the tennis world in the year 2010, and set the stage for an interesting season in 2011.
1. A shorter ATP season
After several long months of negotiations and restructuring, the Association of Tennis Professionals has finally taken some steps to ensure that the male tennis players get some time off in the winter. The new module will ensure that the season is shorter,
in addition to which the winter break will be extended. This new regime will be implemented from 2012 onwards; at the end of the campaign, players will receive a seven-week break.
This decision was met with enthusiasm and approval among the ATP players, and will hopefully lessen the injuries and medical complaints which have been rampant in the men’s tour for several years.
2. Serbian Davis Cup team takes away their maiden title
The Davis Cup is no longer one of the most important events of the year, with a great number of above-par players dropping out of their teams to pursue the ATP tournaments. However, this fact did not deter the Serbians in Belgrade Arena from celebrating
with gusto after Serbia sealed a victory at the premier event for the first time.
While World Number 3 Novak Djokovic set up the stage for a victory with two wins against the French, it was unprecedented Viktor Troicki who clinched the title with a decisive straight sets victory over Michael Llodra.
3. Caroline Wozniacki, World Number 1?
While Dane Caroline Wozniacki has maintained stellar performances at smaller events throughout the year, it seems as if her lack of a Grand Slam title will lead to doubt about her rankings. Her ascension to the top spot led to several calls for a revision
of the WTA ranking system; this is somewhat unfair to Wozniacki, who has brought class and consistency to the sport with her regular showings at every tournament.
4. Clijsters wins at Flushing Meadows once again
While 2010 did not have the same appeal as Clijsters’s 2009 comeback, her US Open victory was as phenomenal as it had been the year before. Her most difficult match was undoubtedly the semi-final against Venus Williams, where it took her three sets to move
on to the title match against Vera Zvonareva.
5. Agassi and Sampras fight once more
While Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras had never been the best of friends even during their ATP tour runs, they seem to have taken the rivalry to a whole new level after their respective retirements.
The feud culminated at a charity event held in Indian Wells in March, where the two players took part in a charity doubles exhibition. Sampras offended Agassi by imitating his walk, while Agassi accused Sampras of being a “bad tipper”. The conversation was
broadcasted to the entire arena due to the players’ microphones, and the incident is considered embarrassing for both players.
Part II details five more events which made this season as phenomenal as it was.
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