It’s that time of year to look back at my 2019 predictions… and it’s not pretty! I correctly predicted just four of this year’s season ending top ten. The one positive was having Barty, the eventual world number one, in there at number seven. Before posting my predictions for 2020, let’s take a look back at some of my statements from last year’s post and how they stacked up against reality.
I think that Svitolina will be the most consistent player on tour in 2019. I admire her drive and resilience – when she gets knocked down or criticised, this only seems to make her hungrier to prove people wrong.
I had Svitolina as my number 1 which wasn’t so bad as she ended the year at number 6. When fit and healthy, Sviotlina was one of the most consistent players on tour and she finally broke new ground at the Slams with back-to-back semi-final appearances at Wimbledon and the US Open.
I’m going for a Muguruza resurgence in 2019. I’d fancy at least one more Slam for Muguruza in 2019. In my eyes, the Spaniard is one of the favourites for the French Open.
Oh dear. Muguruza ended the season at number 35 in the rankings so not close with my top 2 prediction! The Spaniard is one of the most fascinating players on tour IMO. I just can’t work her out. Surely pairing up with Conchita Martinez again is a positive.
I’d tag Sabalenka as one to watch for winning a first Slam in 2019. Fascinated to see what she can do on grass.
Hmmm Sabalenka didn’t reach the second week of any of the four Slams and lost in the first round at Wimbledon. Sabalenka did end the year on a high, much like 2018, so i’m intrigued to see if she can carry that form in 2020 with not quite as much hype around.
Personally I don’t think Pliskova will win a Slam in 2019, but she seems a pretty safe banker for a top ten slot.
I’ll take that as a win.
Winning her first Slam in doubles was surely a big moment for Ash and I think everything is in place for the next push in singles.
I had Barty at number 7 which was probably my best prediction as few had her reaching the top ten. I believed in Ash’s game but I never thought she’d go the whole hog and end the season on top of the tree.
I’ve actually gone for Vika as my wild punt for the US Open.
Oof. I actually thought Azarenka was rounding into some quality form before the French Open. Unfortunately it tailed off post-clay and she lost early at the US Open. I remain ever hopeful that Azarenka can reach the heights of the game again.
While still in the top ten, i’d be more inclined to say that Kerber will have a challenge on her hands to defend her current position in the rankings.
I had Kerber going down but didn’t anticipate she’d fall out of the top ten. Angie finished the year at number 20 in the world. Based on her recent record of one good year, one not-so-good year, Angie is due for success in 2020!
I’d fancy Kasatkina to get a Slam semi under her belt, most likely at the French, and to continue to build her confidence on the tour.
Oops. Kasatkina’s year was one of my saddest memories of tennis in 2019. Kasatkina finished the season at number 70 in the rankings. No pressure next year so I hope she can find some joy on the court because there wasn’t much of it this year.
I am certain Osaka will win more Slams in the future. However, I would not be surprised if 2019 was more of an adjustment year. Top 12.
There was a bit of adjustment in the middle of the year but nope.
I think Bacsinszky will race up the rankings again. While getting into tournaments may be an issue, she has no pressure of defending points and the clay season should be a rewarding time. Always an outside contender for the French Open. Fingers crossed she can stay healthy 🤞. Top 20.
Sad face. Bacsinszky showed plenty of promise at the start of the year but ended the year at 139 in the rankings.
I don’t expect to see consistent results from Yastremska yet but I think there will be a couple of flashy weeks where she makes a name for herself. Top 30.
I’ll take that. Yastremska won 2 titles, reached the second week of Wimbledon and ended the season inside the world’s top 30 at number 22.
I think Anisimova will continue to improve and impress. Still restricted by age for the WTA main tour so tempering my prediction a tad! Top 40.
Not bad. Anisimova did even better than I expected as she finished inside the world’s top 30 and scored a first Slam semi-final.
Tentative Slam predictions:
Australian Open: S.Williams
French Open: Muguruza
Wimbledon: Sabalenka
US Open: Azarenka
Not even kind of close 😂😂😂😂😂 .
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