The year 2021 brings in fresh challenges in the sport of tennis. While 2020 was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, things look to get normal this year.
undefined
The new season is sure to produce some record-breaking performances from both men and women. In the same light, we look at the top female tennis players to watch out this season.
undefined
Elina Svitolina: The Ukrainian is currently ranked fifth in the world. Although she failed to reach the semis of any major WTA tournament last year, she would look to turn things around this year. Compared to 2019, where she played four major semis with a win percentage of 64, she made it better in 2020, with 70%. She is off to a decent start to 2021 and could certainly challenge for her maiden Grand Slam title.
undefined
Sofia Kenin: The American happens to be one of the most fast-rising female athletes in the sport. Having won the Australian Open last year, she has bid herself to become the next American sensation. She also finished as the runner-up in French Open last year. She has been on the rise ever since her debut in 2018. She finished with a win percentage of 73 last year, compared to 68% in 2019, where she featured in a couple of major semis. Having already off to a decent start to the season, she is a strong contender to retain the AO crown next month.
undefined
Simona Halep: The Romanian, who is currently ranked second, had a tough 2020, failing to win a Slam. However, she managed to reach the AO semis and win the Rome Open major. While she did not play much of the sport last season, she is sure to resume her duties full time this season. Although she has been somewhat inconsistent each season, she has still maintained herself in the top-five since 2014. Having already won the FO and Wimbledon before, it would be interesting to see which Slam she challenges this season.
undefined
Ashleigh Barty: The Australian has finished at the top for two years in a row. Having won the French Open in 2019, she has since been on a steady rise. While she had a win percentage of 81 in the year, she failed to make it count last year, possessing 78% and reaching the semis of a couple of majors. Nonetheless, being a world number one, she is likely to go on a winning streak and is a firm favourite to win at least one Slam this year.
undefined
Naomi Osaka: The Japanese is undoubtedly on a roll ever since she won the maiden Slam, US Open, in 2018. Since then, she has won three Slams, while in 2020, she won in the US again. The reigning world number three is continually improving her performance since 2017. She had a win percentage of 84 last year, better than 78 in 2019. She is a favourite for all the Slams this season, as it all starts with the AO next month.
undefined
Serena Williams: The American legend has been on the mission to become the most Slam winner and equal Margaret Court's all-time record of 24. However, since her last Slam win in 2017, she is on a downward spiral and is currently ranked 11. Nonetheless, it all takes one good tournament, and considering the type of player she is, it would be foolish to rule her out entirely.
undefined