It’s time to look back at last year’s predictions… and it was a mixed bag! I had four of the world’s top 10 in my top 10 and correctly predicted one ranking position. I did better on the Slam champs! Before posting my predictions for 2022, let’s take a look back at some of my statements from last year’s post and how they stacked up against reality.
It’s the first time in a while that i’ve actually considered that one player [Osaka] could win multiple Slams in the same year.
It all started so swimmingly for Osaka but things took a turn at Roland Garros as Osaka would play just three more tournaments for the rest of the year as she prioritised her mental health. Once again, we didn’t get to see Osaka on grass.
I’ve gone for the full-on resurgence of Muguruza… she’s a terrific competitor who is a proven performer at the Slams who can turn it on without much warning. French Open title next year? Why not. I’ll keep predicting it until it happens
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Well, I was completely wrong on the persistent French Open prediction where Muguruza went out in the first round to Marta Kostyuk. I did get Muguruza’s final year-end position of three spot on though! Perhaps not the full-on resurgence as Muguruza didn’t make it past the last 16 of any of the four Slams but definitely a continuation of the resurgence from 2020.
I think Barty is due a big run at Wimbledon so she remains as my SW19 pick!
Yay! 😎
I think we will see consistency from Kenin in 2021 without the big Slam win. In my opinion, Kenin will be a permanent mainstay in the world’s top ten for the foreseeable future.
Gosh how things can change in a year. Kenin had a rough 2021. Appendicitis in Australia and then didn’t play another match after Wimbledon due to injury.
I’m not going for any more Slams in 2021 but I do think Swiatek will establish herself as consistent threat in tour level events and reach a couple more Slam quarter-finals and semi-finals.
I’ll take this as a win. Swiatek was the only player to reach the last 16 of all four Slams. Swiatek instiled consistency without moving mountains.
I fancy Kvitova to make another Slam final in 2021.
Sadly not!
I would never have contemplated Jen Brady in the top 10 a few years ago! I’ve gone for Brady because of her commitment to improve her game and the consistency of her recent results.
Ohhh I feel I was onto something here! Brady reached the final of the Australian Open and was on course to finish the season in the top ten but then injuries derailed her season from the clay court season onwards.
I think Sakkari will be knocking on the door of the top 10. Sakkari is a tremendous competitor and made steady strides in the Slams last year. Sakkari to make a Slam semi-final in 2021. Top 15.
Yes! Sakkari did make a Slam semi-final. Two in fact! Just underestimated the ranking as Sakkari did more than knock on the door of the top ten as she finished the season at number six.
I want to be convinced by Sabalenka but i’m not there yet. She’s due a big Slam run. I think it’s one of those ones that I won’t believe until it actually happens! Top 20.
Oh boy. I called Sabalenka all kinds of wrong in 2021 🤦♂️.
Impressed with Fernandez’s steady progress on the WTA tour. She belongs. Similar feeling to Bouzkova but probably with a higher trajectory. Top 25.
Ooo yes! Sadly not so much for Bouzkova in 2021 but Fernandez finished the season at number 24. I was expecting a steady progression though, not a Slam final.
My guess [Tauson] for the biggest rankings jump in 2021 and the next newcomer of the year. Tauson won me over at the French. Surely not a flash in the pan?! Top 50.
Tauson was a nominee for the newcomer of the year and probably would have been my vote if it hadn’t been for Raducanu’s run at the US. Tauson soared 108 places in the rankings from 152 to 44.
Australian Open: Osaka
French Open: Muguruza
Wimbledon: Barty
US Open: Osaka
That’s my best return on Slam predictions ever! Two correct!
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