New Delhi: Roger Federer’s victory over Rafael Nadal in the finals of the Barclays ATP World Tour Championship in December re-ignited the rivalry between the two tennis greats and with both having accomplished the feat of a career grand slam, 2011 may well churn out some more fascinating contests between them.
Having said that, while the rest of the field continues to languish in the shadow of Federer and Nadal the return of 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro might provide a few sparks this time around.
After being in the cold for almost the entire season in 2010 because of the wrist that never healed, the Argentine will be looking to rediscover some of his old magic which led to back to back victories over Fedex and Rafa at Flushing Meadows.
British number one Andy Murray must be wondering what he has to do different in the coming season which will enable him to lift that elusive grand slam trophy whereas Novak Djokovic who led Serbia to Davis Cup glory will be looking to keep the momentum going in his favour.
As far as the scene on the women’s tour is concerned, 2010 marked the welcome return of Belgian tennis ace Justine Henin who had announced her retirement from the game a couple of years ago.
While she could not quite emulate compatriot Kim Clijster’s effort who came back from hibernation to win the 2009 US Open, Henin fell only at the final hurdle of the Australian Open to Serena Williams who went on to win her fifth title at Flinders Park.
However, the Belgian will be hoping to go a step further in the coming year and add to her tally of six grand slam titles which includes four French Open victories.
Question marks continued to be raised over the fragile temperament of Belarusian glamour doll Victoria Azarenka.
Making the headlines for the wrong reasons seems to have become her forte.
When she was not choking matches from winning positions it was simply a case of collapsing on the tennis court.
It’s all very well to change coaches, but more importantly she will be looking for a change of fortune in the new year.
On the other hand, world number one Caroline Wozniacki from Denmark will be hoping to silence her critics by winning a major in 2011 as she would like to avoid the dubious distinction of holding on to the top spot without actually winning a grand slam title.
But without a doubt, thirteen time grand slam winner Serena Williams who at her best is head and shoulders ahead of the rest of the pack will be the one to beat as the year gets underway.
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