2004 Predictions
By Kim Shanley
The TennisOne Community
The defining moment in every sports debate comes when someone
says, "Wanna bet?" (Or, if you hang out with the snobby
set, "Care to place a wager?") That's when you have
to pony up or slink away, muttering something like, "No,
but I think it's possible" to cover your ignominious retreat.
If TennisOne were a gaming site, I would be willing to stake
real money on my "good bets" predictions below. And
if you gave me some odds, I would wager a few dollars/euros on
my "medium-bets" predictions. On the long-shot,
I would have to say, "I think it's possible."
Good Bets
- Roddick #1 Again in 2004. While I think Roger Federer
is the most talented player on the men's tour, and may eventually
be considered among the game's greatest players, I predict Andy
Roddick will end up the number one player in the world again
this year. Day in, day out, Roddick's indomitable service game
(unseeable speed on the first serve and with his freakish spin,
an unattackable second serve) can win him most matches, even
if he isn't playing great or isn't highly motivated. This is
a huge advantage over the enormously long tennis year. Pete Sampras
(with a similar service game) perfected this sometimes lackadaisical
style, which sustained his number one ranking for six straight
years. Roddick, Federer, Ferrero, all could be number one this
year, but the glory and pressure seem to rest easier on Andy's
shoulders. Maybe it's an American thing about loving to be number
one, but Federer and Ferrero don't seem as hungry to bear the
weight of the crown. Roddick, on the other hand, loves it all.
Look at it from his perspective: he has the best girlfriend (Mandy
Moore), the best coach (Brad Gilbert), and the world says he's
the best player. If someone wants to steal his ring of power, it's going to
take an effort worthy of Saron and 10,000 frenzied Orks. I don't
see Federer and Ferrero fighting that hard. Could Agassi be number
one? You can't say it's not possible, as he ended up number four
in 2003. However, I think Agassi is all about surpassing his
own internal goals of excellence, particularly in the grand slams.
I just don't think the goal of number one is forged in his heart,
which it has to be in a year-long race. But if he did come out
on top, I would be happy to lose my bet on Roddick.
- Venus Williams #1 in 2004. All hail to Justine Henin-Hardenne
for her two grand slams victories and winning the race for number
one last year. Henin-Hardenne is a terrific competitor, but if
Venus and Serena Williams are healthy and motivated, I give them
both an edge over her in a sustained race. We saw evidence at
last year's Wimbledon how much Venus wanted to beat her sister,
when she competed fiercely in the final with a badly torn stomach
muscle. I think she wants to return to the number one position
badly. Serena Williams, of course, has demonstrated she's the
best player in the world over the last few years. However, she's
already pulled out of the Australian Open this year, still trying
to recuperate from knee surgery this past summer. She may come
on strong later in the season, but I just have a hunch it will
be Venus's year.
- Clijsters to Win First Grand Slam. Many champions
have lost their first two or three Grand Slam contests (Agassi,
Lendl), and have used those defeats to figure out how to win
at the highest levels. Clijsters has endured the same process,
and her spirit and will-to-win remain strong. She'll step through
to another level this year, and she'll be holding that champion's
cup above her head.
Medium-Bets
- Philippoussis to win first grand slam. Just to show
I have no American bias, I think Philippoussis has a good shot
to win his first grand slam this year. He made it the Wimbledon
finals last year, and he was the Australian hero for beating
Ferrero to clinch the Davis Cup for his country this past November.
- United States to Win the Davis Cup. This could be
put into the long-shot category, but I don't think I'm sticking
my neck out too far. With the world's number one player (Roddick)
and the world's number one doubles team (Bryan brothers), and
a young, closely-knit team, I think the U.S. comes back from
near-extinction last year to win the Davis Cup.
Long-Shot
- Henman Will Win Wimbledon. This isn't as long a shot
as it may seem. Henman has been close to the finals several times.
However, now no one expects him to win, and with the pressure
reduced, perhaps he makes the dream a reality this year. Go get
'em, Tim, make 2004 the year we'll never forget.
TennisOne at Siebel Open
TennisOne will be a major sponsor at the first men's professional
tournament in the U.S. this year, the Siebel Open, February 9-15,
in San Jose, California. The top draws are Andre Agassi, Andy
Roddick, Paradorn Srichaphan, Tommy Haas, Mardy Fish, and James
Blake. TennisOne will have a booth at the event, and many of
our staff members, myself included, will be attending all week.
We would love to have you come by our booth and say hello. TennisOne
members are offered up to $10 off per ticket if you purchase
your tickets to the event via our website. Additionally, two
of our associate editors, Jeff Greenwald ("Fearless Tennis")
and Steve Tourdo ("Unlimited Doubles") will be hosting
a Peak Performance Seminar on Friday, February 13th, and TennisOne
members are also offered $10 off this seminar fee. Seminar topics
include:
- How to compete without fear at all times
- Staying relaxed and focused under pressure
- How to formulate a winning strategy
- Your tactical objectives in the heat of battle
- How to play as an effective doubles team
Click
here for all the information related to TennisOne at the
Siebel Open, including purchasing tickets and the Peak Performance
seminar. We hope all those who live in Northern California or
who are traveling to San Francisco/San Jose area between February
9-15, will come out and see us.
As always, I would love to hear your views on the subjects
raised in this newsletter. Please click
here to send your email directly to me.
Kim Shanley
President, TennisONE
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January
15, 2004
